Business/Commerce at Macomb Community College
Associate's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Macomb Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Macomb Community College graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all business/commerce associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macomb Community College | $37,532 | $47,984 | $10,281 | 0.27 |
| Davenport University | $49,530 | $48,012 | $31,338 | 0.63 |
| Henry Ford College | $34,003 | $39,692 | $32,406 | 0.95 |
| National Median | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University Grand Rapids | $23,324 | $49,530 | $31,338 |
| Henry Ford College Dearborn | $3,460 | $34,003 | $32,406 |
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.