Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lakewood University

A projected debt load of $26,289 is eye-opening when similar business associate's programs across Ohio typically leave graduates with around $16,000—and that's before considering that the estimated first-year earnings of $37,000 merely match the state median. This puts Lakewood roughly in the middle for earnings potential but at the higher end for debt, with students borrowing nearly twice the national median for this credential.

The comparison to other Ohio schools sharpens the picture. Top performers like Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State produce graduates earning $45,000+ with presumably lower debt burdens at public institutions. Even if Lakewood's actual outcomes prove better than these peer-based estimates suggest, the gap between projected debt and earnings here means graduates would face 71 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one—workable but tight for an associate's degree that's meant to be an affordable entry point.

For parents, the question is whether Lakewood's specific advantages justify both higher borrowing and outcomes that appear average for the state. If comparable programs at Ohio's community colleges can deliver stronger earnings with less debt, those alternatives deserve serious consideration unless Lakewood offers compelling factors like location, scheduling flexibility, or support services that materially improve your child's chances of completion and career placement.