Business/Commerce at Normandale Community College

The $20,700 debt load here sits well above what most business associate's programs nationally charge—at the 66th percentile, meaning two-thirds of comparable programs leave students with less debt. That matters because the estimated first-year earnings of $36,591, drawn from the national median for business associate's degrees, falls short of what similar programs across Minnesota typically produce. Peer institutions in the state suggest earnings closer to $40,226, with nearby Century College and Anoka-Ramsey both reporting outcomes around $40,000 for their business grads.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means students would face debt equal to about seven months of their first-year salary—manageable on paper, but less appealing when Minnesota offers 23 business associate's programs, many with lower debt loads and stronger earnings trajectories. Without actual outcome data from Normandale's own graduates, you're betting on whether this program mirrors the national average or performs closer to its Minnesota neighbors who are posting higher figures.

For parents weighing this program, the combination of above-average debt and below-state-average estimated earnings suggests looking closely at alternatives. If your student has strong ties to this specific campus or program features that matter, the debt is serviceable. But if outcomes are the primary concern, other Minnesota community colleges are reporting concrete results that beat these estimates while charging less.