Business/Commerce at Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex's Business/Commerce associate's degree costs $10,400 in median debt—about $1,200 more than the typical Massachusetts community college program in this field, though still below the national median. Similar business programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $39,200, with this program's graduates reaching nearly $50,000 by year four. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means you'd be borrowing less than three months of that first-year salary, which represents manageable leverage for an associate's degree.

The four-year earnings figure of $49,913 is actual reported data for Northern Essex graduates, not an estimate, and it compares favorably to peer programs in the state. Only Mount Wachusett and Quinsigamond show higher earnings among comparable Massachusetts community colleges with available data. The earnings growth from year one to year four—over $10,000—suggests decent career progression for associate's degree holders in business roles.

The main uncertainty here is that first-year estimate, derived from just four similar programs statewide. But with debt this manageable and solid mid-career earnings already documented, Northern Essex graduates appear positioned to handle their loans comfortably even if actual starting salaries lag the estimate somewhat. For a community college credential serving a population where one-third receive Pell grants, this program offers a practical entry point to business careers without the debt burden that typically comes with four-year degrees.