Business/Commerce at Pierce College District
Associate's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce College District | — | $46,865 | — | — |
| Tacoma Community College | $40,863 | $45,421 | $11,500 | 0.28 |
| Clark College | $40,313 | $52,458 | $10,441 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Community College Tacoma | $4,920 | $40,863 | $11,500 |
| Clark College Vancouver | $4,632 | $40,313 | $10,441 |
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 Pierce College District, approximately 20% 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.