Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Ohio Business College-Sheffield
Associate's Degree
obc.eduAnalysis
The most alarming signal here isn't the relatively low starting salary—it's that earnings actually decline 16% by year four, dropping to just $19,174. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile among Ohio business operations programs, that comparison masks a troubling reality: Ohio's median for this credential matches the lowest-performing programs nationally. The $31,683 in debt means graduates owe more than they'll earn in their entire first year, and significantly more than they'll make four years out.
Small sample size is a factor to consider, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious skepticism. With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, this institution serves a vulnerable population that can least afford a declining earnings trajectory. The debt load is particularly punishing compared to the $20,000 national median for similar programs—graduates here are carrying 58% more debt than typical for this degree.
For families considering this investment, understand that business operations associate's degrees generally lead to modest-paying administrative roles, and this particular program appears to underperform even those low benchmarks. Unless your child has specific reasons to attend this institution—like unique family circumstances keeping them local—exploring other Ohio community colleges or business programs would likely yield better financial outcomes. The combination of high debt and declining earnings makes this a risky choice for most families.
Where Ohio Business College-Sheffield Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business operations support and assistant services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio Business College-Sheffield graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Business College-Sheffield | $22,925 | $19,174 | -16% |
| Northwood Technical College | $27,494 | $37,335 | +36% |
| Fox College | $34,923 | $36,377 | +4% |
| Trinity Valley Community College | $34,123 | $35,624 | +4% |
| Ohio Business College-Sandusky | $22,925 | $19,174 | -16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,385 | $22,925 | $19,174 | $31,683 | 1.38 | |
| $9,385 | $22,925 | $19,174 | $31,683 | 1.38 | |
| National Median | — | $28,691 | — | $20,000 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business operations support and assistant services graduates
Procurement Clerks
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Correspondence Clerks
File Clerks
Order Clerks
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Office Clerks, General
Customer Service Representatives
Receptionists and Information Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ohio Business College-Sheffield, approximately 85% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.