Analysis
Macomb Community College manages to deliver a business associate's degree at roughly half the typical debt load for Michigan programs—$10,281 versus the state median of $20,810. That low borrowing, combined with earnings that land in the 60th percentile statewide, creates a relatively straightforward value equation for Michigan families.
The earnings trajectory here is noteworthy: graduates see nearly 30% income growth between year one and year four, moving from $37,532 to almost $48,000. While you won't match Davenport University's $49,530 starting point, you're also not carrying twice the debt to get there. The first-year earnings already exceed the national average, and by year four, graduates are pulling ahead of most peer programs.
For parents weighing community college options in Michigan, this represents a low-risk entry point into business careers. The manageable debt means your child can pivot or continue their education without being locked into decisions by loan payments. One caution: the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the fundamental math—strong earnings growth with minimal debt—works in your favor.
Where Macomb Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Macomb Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macomb Community College | $37,532 | $47,984 | +28% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Davenport University | $49,530 | $48,012 | -3% |
| Henry Ford College | $34,003 | $39,692 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Macomb Community CollegeWarren | $3,600 | $37,532 | $47,984 | $10,281 | 0.27 |
 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids | $23,324 | $49,530 | $48,012 | $31,338 | 0.63 |
 Henry Ford CollegeDearborn | $3,460 | $34,003 | $39,692 | $32,406 | 0.95 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Macomb Community College, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 50 graduates with reported earnings and 87 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.