Business/Commerce at North Hennepin Community College

Similar business programs in Minnesota typically produce first-year earnings around $40,200, but this program's estimated $36,600 falls below that mark—closer to the national median than what other Minnesota graduates are seeing. With an estimated $19,750 in debt (typical for associate's business programs in the state), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means your child would owe roughly half of their first-year salary, which is manageable but not exceptional.

What's frustrating here is the lack of visibility. Nearby Century College and Anoka-Ramsey both report actual outcomes in the $40,000 range for their business graduates, giving parents concrete data to evaluate. North Hennepin's suppressed numbers mean we're relying on statewide and national patterns rather than knowing how this specific program performs. That uncertainty matters when comparable programs just miles away show slightly stronger earnings trajectories.

If your child is set on North Hennepin for location or cost reasons, this program likely won't leave them financially underwater—the debt burden is reasonable. But you'd be making this decision somewhat blind compared to neighboring schools where you can see actual graduate outcomes. Before committing, ask the school directly about job placement rates and typical starting salaries for their business graduates, because the federal data simply can't tell you whether this program matches, exceeds, or falls short of those better-documented alternatives nearby.