Business Administration, Management and Operations at Phoenix College

Phoenix College's business associate program posts impressive first-year earnings of $56,057—placing it in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Arizona programs. Graduates start earning $13,000 more than the typical Arizona business associate holder and nearly $20,000 more than the national median. With just $11,500 in debt (less than half the state average of $24,431), the program delivers strong initial returns that beat even the University of Phoenix by a significant margin.

The caveat is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 9% decline from year one to year four, dropping to $51,053. This still beats both state and national medians handily, but it suggests the initial salary advantage may erode as graduates compete with bachelor's holders for advancement.

For a community college program with minimal debt, these are solid outcomes. The low cost of entry makes this a defensible choice if your child needs to start earning quickly or plans to transfer for a bachelor's degree later. Just understand that the eye-catching $56,000 starting salary may not reflect the typical graduate's experience, and the earnings pattern suggests this degree might have limited upside on its own.