Business Administration, Management and Operations at Montgomery Community College

Montgomery Community College's business administration program faces a debt hurdle that's worth examining closely. While peer programs across North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $35,200—squarely in line with the state median—the estimated debt load of $21,200 sits significantly above the national median of $14,000 for associate degrees in this field. That's roughly 50% more borrowing than typical for comparable programs nationwide.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which is manageable territory. However, context matters: several North Carolina community colleges with reported outcomes are producing graduates who earn $38,000 to $41,000 in their first year—suggesting that comparable programs in the state can deliver both higher earnings and, in many cases, lower debt loads. The combination of middle-of-the-road estimated earnings and above-average estimated debt creates a tighter financial margin than you'll find at top-performing programs in the state.

Before committing, get actual completion and job placement numbers directly from Montgomery. Since these earnings and debt figures are drawn from peer programs rather than this school's graduates, asking pointed questions about their specific outcomes—and how they stack up against nearby alternatives like Catawba Valley or Forsyth Tech—will help you determine whether this program delivers competitive value or whether another North Carolina community college might offer a stronger return.