Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College's business associate's degree comes with a significant caveat: the data represents fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than typical program data. That said, the earnings picture looks stronger than average, particularly when compared nationally. At $41,301 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $7,300 more than the national median for this degree—placing them in the 81st percentile nationally. Within Minnesota, however, this program sits right at the state median, suggesting that Minnesota community colleges generally produce strong outcomes for business graduates.

The debt load of $15,250 translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary. This is reasonable for an associate's degree and below Minnesota's typical debt for this program ($18,776). The concerning element is the flat earnings trajectory—essentially no growth between years one and four—which suggests graduates may hit a ceiling early without additional education or career pivots.

For families prioritizing immediate employability with minimal debt, this program appears viable, especially given that tuition at a Minnesota community college will likely be lower than the reported debt figure suggests. However, the small sample size means next year's outcomes could look quite different. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program eventually, this could serve as an affordable stepping stone; if they're seeking long-term earnings growth with just an associate's degree, they should understand the limitations.