Business Administration, Management and Operations at Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College's business program sits comfortably in the middle of Michigan's community college options, with earnings that start modest but gain momentum quickly. At $35,493 in the first year—ranking in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs—graduates earn slightly above both state and national medians. More importantly, that figure jumps to $44,504 by year four, a 25% increase that suggests graduates are finding traction in the job market. While it trails the state's top performers like Macomb and Lansing (both around $43,000 starting), the gap narrows considerably over time.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition here. At $11,862, students borrow about 15% less than the typical Michigan business graduate and roughly $2,100 below the national average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, most graduates should be able to handle repayment without strain—they're earning roughly $3 for every $1 borrowed. This makes Oakland Community College a practical choice for students seeking business credentials without the financial burden of a four-year program.

For families in metro Detroit looking at associate's degrees in business, this program delivers solid returns at a reasonable price. The earnings trajectory matters more than the starting point, and Oakland's graduates appear to be building careers rather than stalling out. It's not the highest-earning option in the state, but the combination of manageable debt and steady income growth makes it a reliable investment.