Analysis
Similar business associate's programs in Ohio suggest graduates from this Miami University-Middletown program earn around $38,871 in their first year—exactly the state median and slightly above the $36,591 national benchmark. However, the estimated debt of $20,565 creates a burden that exceeds both the national median ($13,437) and what top regional programs typically produce. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe about half a year's income, which is manageable but not ideal for a two-year credential.
The comparison to James A. Rhodes State College is striking: their business graduates report first-year earnings of $45,238 with similar credentials. That $6,000+ premium shows there's real variance in outcomes across Ohio community colleges, even when the degree appears identical on paper. For a family considering Miami-Middletown, the question becomes whether location, campus culture, or transfer opportunities justify paying more to borrow more for potentially average results.
The safe assumption here: your child would likely match state averages rather than outperform them. That means entering the workforce with roughly $20,000 in debt and income just shy of $39,000. It's not a debt trap, but it's also not the bargain you'd hope for from an associate's degree. If staying local matters or this feeds into a bachelor's completion plan at Miami's main campus, it could make sense—but purely as a terminal business degree, other Ohio options appear stronger.
Where Miami University-Middletown Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,278 | $38,871* | — | $20,565* | — | |
| $4,657 | $45,238* | $37,556 | —* | — | |
| $7,272 | $38,871* | $37,721 | $20,565* | 0.53 | |
| $7,272 | $38,871* | $37,721 | $20,565* | 0.53 | |
| $7,272 | $38,871* | $37,721 | $20,565* | 0.53 | |
| $7,272 | $38,871* | $37,721 | $20,565* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Miami University-Middletown, approximately 23% 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 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.