Business Administration, Management and Operations at Northwest State Community College

Northwest State Community College's business management program produces earnings that significantly exceed national norms—landing in the 86th percentile—but the picture gets more complicated when you narrow the lens to Ohio. At $42,324 one year out, graduates earn about $5,000 more than the typical Ohio program and nearly $8,000 above the national median. However, they're still trailing the state's strongest performers by $3,000-$5,000 annually. More concerning: this program carries debt nearly 40% below the state median ($9,991 vs. $16,125), yet still ranks in the 79th percentile nationally for debt—a reminder that business associate's degrees often come surprisingly cheap.

The modest 5% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are finding stable work but not necessarily climbing quickly. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, most students will manage repayment comfortably, especially those who stay local in northwest Ohio where living costs remain reasonable. The catch: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians.

For families prioritizing low debt and solid starting wages, this program delivers on both fronts. Just understand you're likely getting a dependable foundation rather than a launching pad to the highest-earning business roles in the state.