Business Administration, Management and Operations at Olympic College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Olympic College's business management graduates earn $58,058 in their first year—impressive numbers that rank in the 92nd percentile nationally, well above the $45,703 national median. They also graduate with just $11,305 in debt, less than half the national typical burden. That 0.19 debt-to-earnings ratio is about as favorable as you'll find in business programs.
However, there's an important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary substantially. Within Washington state, the picture is more nuanced. While Olympic College beats the state median of $49,004, it sits at the 60th percentile among Washington programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack. Top-earning Washington business programs like City University of Seattle produce graduates earning $80,000, though likely with higher debt loads.
For parents weighing cost versus return, Olympic College offers a strong value play, particularly for students who can attend at community college rates. The minimal debt essentially means your child starts their career without the financial drag that hampers many business graduates. Just remember the small sample size means these outcomes aren't guaranteed, and if your child is competitive for higher-tier Washington programs, those might offer a higher ceiling. But for risk-averse families prioritizing immediate employability with minimal borrowing, this program delivers on both fronts.
Where Olympic College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Olympic College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Olympic College graduates earn $58k, placing them in the 92th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic College | $58,058 | — | $11,305 | 0.19 |
| City University of Seattle | $79,592 | $67,095 | $18,000 | 0.23 |
| Northwest University | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| Western Washington University | $53,402 | $68,627 | $17,375 | 0.33 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $52,919 | $61,439 | $20,959 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| City University of Seattle Seattle | $14,589 | $79,592 | $18,000 |
| Northwest University Kirkland | $36,035 | $54,779 | $25,000 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland | $14,652 | $54,779 | $25,000 |
| Western Washington University Bellingham | $9,286 | $53,402 | $17,375 |
| Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma | $50,964 | $52,919 | $20,959 |
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 Olympic College, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.