Business/Commerce at Quinsigamond Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Quinsigamond Community College's business program delivers a solid return, particularly when compared to the national landscape. At $42,618 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 16% above the national median for associate-level business programs and rank in the 72nd percentile nationwide. Within Massachusetts, they're performing respectably at the 60th percentile, essentially matching Mount Wachusett CC's outcomes while considerably outpacing most other state options.
The debt picture requires closer attention. At $17,500, borrowing runs significantly higher than both the state median ($9,250) and national median ($13,437) for this degree. However, the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—graduates would need roughly five months of gross earnings to cover their debt, which is reasonable for a two-year degree. The higher borrowing might reflect Worcester's cost of living or limited financial aid, but the stronger earnings help offset this concern.
For families weighing community college business programs in Massachusetts, Quinsigamond offers a practical path. The earnings advantage over most in-state alternatives suggests students are gaining marketable skills that translate quickly to the workforce. Just ensure your student understands they'll likely graduate with more debt than peers at other community colleges, even if the final debt load remains modest by national standards.
Where Quinsigamond Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates'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 Quinsigamond Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Quinsigamond Community College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all business/commerce associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinsigamond Community College | $42,618 | — | $17,500 | 0.41 |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | $42,825 | $52,852 | $9,250 | 0.22 |
| Bristol Community College | $35,815 | $39,349 | $7,480 | 0.21 |
| Springfield Technical Community College | $19,969 | $42,728 | $7,200 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Wachusett Community College Gardner | $6,000 | $42,825 | $9,250 |
| Bristol Community College Fall River | $5,412 | $35,815 | $7,480 |
| Springfield Technical Community College Springfield | $5,520 | $19,969 | $7,200 |
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 Quinsigamond Community College, approximately 39% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.