Business Administration, Management and Operations at Miami University-Hamilton

Business associate's degrees in Ohio tell a story of wide variation, and Miami University-Hamilton's program falls solidly in the middle. With estimated first-year earnings around $37,000—derived from 25 similar programs statewide—graduates here track with the Ohio median, though they trail the state's stronger performers by $8,000 to $10,000. The $12,000 debt load is notably lower than both the state median ($16,125) and national median ($13,980), which matters when you're starting in the mid-$30,000s. Four-year earnings of $39,395 show modest but real growth, suggesting some career progression rather than stagnation.

The practical calculation here is straightforward: borrowing $12,000 to enter the workforce near $37,000 represents a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's lower risk than many associate's programs nationally. However, the limited data—first-year figures are estimated because this program's graduate cohort was too small for the DOE to publish—means you're banking on this school matching what peer programs deliver. Some Ohio community colleges and regional campuses are placing business grads $8,000 higher in year one, which compounds significantly over time.

For families prioritizing immediate workforce entry with minimal debt, this looks reasonable. But if your student can access one of Ohio's higher-performing business programs—particularly the community colleges showing $45,000+ starting salaries—that extra initial earning power could justify slightly higher debt.