Analysis
Montgomery County Community College's business program starts graduates at below-average earnings but compensates with strong upward momentum. While $36,274 puts first-year graduates right at the Pennsylvania median (60th percentile statewide), the trajectory matters more: earnings jump 39% to $50,580 by year four, outpacing typical associate-level business programs. This growth pattern suggests the degree opens doors even if entry positions aren't immediately lucrative.
The $11,000 debt load creates manageable pressure—less than one-third of first-year earnings and below both state and national medians. This cushion is especially valuable during those initial lower-earning years. However, parents should note that several Pennsylvania community colleges place graduates in higher-paying first jobs (Lehigh Carbon at $47,276, for instance), so location and employer networks matter.
For families prioritizing affordability over immediate payoff, this program works. The combination of modest debt and strong earnings acceleration means graduates can establish financial footing relatively quickly. Just understand you're betting on year-three and beyond rather than walking into a high-paying role immediately after graduation.
Where Montgomery County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Montgomery County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Community College | $36,274 | $50,580 | +39% |
| Strayer University-Pennsylvania | $44,154 | $47,516 | +8% |
| Community College of Philadelphia | $35,122 | $43,798 | +25% |
| Northampton County Area Community College | $28,503 | $42,227 | +48% |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | $47,276 | $41,038 | -13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell | $6,270 | $36,274 | $50,580 | $11,000 | 0.30 |
 Lehigh Carbon Community CollegeSchnecksville | $5,215 | $47,276 | $41,038 | $11,500 | 0.24 |
 Strayer University-PennsylvaniaTrevose | $13,920 | $44,154 | $47,516 | $32,810 | 0.74 |
 Luzerne County Community CollegeNanticoke | $6,450 | $38,515 | $34,401 | $10,750 | 0.28 |
 Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg | $7,373 | $36,708 | $39,256 | $19,976 | 0.54 |
 Community College of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia | $4,632 | $35,122 | $43,798 | $13,437 | 0.38 |
| 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 Montgomery County Community College, approximately 29% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 122 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.