Business/Commerce at Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College's business program comes with an important caveat: we're looking at data from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than typical program statistics. That said, the pattern here shows graduates earning right around Nebraska's median for associate-level business programs—$35,818 initially—while carrying notably less debt. At $9,988, students borrow roughly $3,500 less than the national median for these programs, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.28.

The concerning element is the slight earnings dip after four years, from $35,818 to $35,056. With only three schools offering this program in Nebraska, it's hard to establish meaningful benchmarks, but the lack of income growth suggests these associate degrees may lead to entry-level positions without clear advancement paths. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (17%) might indicate this program serves students with existing family resources rather than those seeking economic mobility.

For parents considering this option, the lighter debt load offers flexibility—your child can change direction without being locked into a high-cost career choice. However, with earnings essentially flat over four years and barely reaching the national median, this makes most sense as either a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or training for a specific local job opportunity your family has already identified. The small sample size means next year's data could tell a different story entirely.