Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mt San Antonio College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
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.
Where Mt San Antonio College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Mt San Antonio College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Mt San Antonio College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all business administration, management and operations associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in California (136 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt San Antonio College | $28,460 | — | $6,250 | 0.22 |
| Mendocino College | $49,145 | $41,540 | $20,000 | 0.41 |
| San Bernardino Valley College | $44,999 | $39,440 | — | — |
| San Diego Mesa College | $40,642 | $50,046 | $8,000 | 0.20 |
| Sacramento City College | $33,689 | $38,893 | $7,500 | 0.22 |
| San Diego City College | $33,350 | $40,405 | $10,625 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $33,977 | — | $13,980 | 0.41 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mendocino College Ukiah | $1,423 | $49,145 | $20,000 |
| San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino | $1,185 | $44,999 | — |
| San Diego Mesa College San Diego | $1,150 | $40,642 | $8,000 |
| Sacramento City College Sacramento | $1,288 | $33,689 | $7,500 |
| San Diego City College San Diego | $1,150 | $33,350 | $10,625 |
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 Mt San Antonio College, approximately 34% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.