Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree) at Madonna University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,837

Est. from MI median (14 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,750

Est. from MI median (3 programs)

Analysis

Michigan's community colleges routinely deliver business associate's degrees that lead to first-year earnings in the $41,000-$43,000 range, according to Department of Education data. Madonna University's program falls well short of that benchmark—peer programs in the state suggest earnings around $35,000, while estimated debt of $27,750 represents nearly 80% of that first-year salary. For context, the typical business associate's program in Michigan produces similar earnings but with half the debt load ($14,070 median).

The gap matters practically. That extra $13,000-$14,000 in debt translates to roughly $150-$160 more in monthly loan payments compared to what graduates from Michigan's community colleges carry. When you're earning $35,000, that difference compounds quickly, affecting everything from rent affordability to emergency savings. Madonna's 93% admission rate and accessible profile serve an important role, but the financial equation here appears less favorable than nearby alternatives.

Before committing to this program, compare the actual aid packages and net costs from Madonna versus local community colleges offering the same credential. The earnings trajectory may be similar across institutions, but starting with half the debt fundamentally changes the financial pressure graduates face in those critical early career years.

Where Madonna University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (43 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Madonna UniversityLivonia	$27,360	$34,837*	—	$27,750*	—
Macomb Community CollegeWarren	$3,600	$43,491*	$46,862	$9,500*	0.22
Lansing Community CollegeLansing	$4,010	$43,026*	$37,632	$17,248*	0.40
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids	$4,059	$41,712*	$38,923	$13,925*	0.33
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor	$2,736	$41,152*	$43,361	$19,691*	0.48
Baker CollegeOwosso	$12,810	$40,585*	$40,078	$23,937*	0.59
National Median	—	$33,977*	—	$13,980*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 Madonna University, approximately 30% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.