Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mt San Antonio College

Mt San Antonio College's associate's in business management comes with impressively low debt—just $6,250, far below both the state median ($7,988) and national average ($13,980). But the program struggles to deliver on earnings. At $28,460 in first-year income, graduates earn roughly $5,000 less than the national median and fall slightly below California's already modest state median. While Mt SAC ranks at the 40th percentile among California business programs, top-performing community colleges in the state like Mendocino and San Bernardino Valley are producing graduates earning $45,000-$49,000 with similar credentials.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross pay, which is excellent. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes these figures less reliable. The modest earnings may reflect part-time work or graduates who transfer to four-year programs before entering the workforce full-time, which is common at community colleges.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into business, Mt SAC keeps costs manageable. But if maximizing immediate earning potential matters, compare this program carefully against other California community colleges with stronger track records in business outcomes.