Business Administration, Management and Operations at Owens Community College

Owens Community College's associate degree in business management sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—earnings that beat the national average but trail most Ohio competitors. While graduates earn $35,175 initially, climbing to $42,746 after four years, those numbers place them in just the 40th percentile among Ohio business programs. That's concerning when nearby Sinclair Community College—a similar institution—produces median earnings above $45,000, more than $10,000 higher than Owens.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $18,800, it's higher than the state median but still manageable relative to first-year earnings—you're looking at roughly half a year's salary in loans. The 22% earnings growth over four years is solid, suggesting graduates find better opportunities as they gain experience. However, starting $2,000 below Ohio's median for this program means your child begins their career already behind many state peers.

For an Ohio family, this program is acceptable but not compelling. If your child has offers from Sinclair, Cincinnati State, or other top Ohio community colleges, those would provide better returns. Owens makes sense primarily for students with strong geographic ties to the Toledo area or those who can attend with minimal debt. Otherwise, the state offers notably stronger alternatives at similar community college price points.