Business/Commerce at Los Angeles Mission College

A business associate's degree from LA Mission College likely costs around $11,000 in student debt, based on typical borrowing patterns at California community colleges. With similar programs nationally producing first-year earnings near $36,600, graduates would owe roughly 30 cents for every dollar they earn—a manageable ratio that puts this program on solid financial footing compared to many other degree options.

The real benchmark here is what other California business programs deliver. Across the state, median earnings for this credential sit at $35,000, right in line with what peer programs suggest LA Mission graduates might expect. That $11,000 debt estimate is actually higher than California's typical $8,500, possibly reflecting a mix of factors including living costs in the San Fernando Valley or transfer student patterns. Still, even at this level, the debt remains modest enough to handle on an entry-level business salary.

For an anxious parent weighing community college options, the core question is whether this credential leads somewhere. Business associate's degrees serve two distinct paths: immediate workforce entry in roles like office management or bookkeeping, or transfer preparation for a bachelor's program. The earnings data suggests the first path yields modest but stable income, while the second path's value depends entirely on completing that four-year degree. Before committing, nail down which route your student plans to take—these estimated figures only tell you what happens if they stop here.