Business Administration, Management and Operations at Randolph Community College

Drawing on what similar North Carolina business programs produce, Randolph Community College's associate degree carries an estimated $21,232 in debt—roughly 50% more than the national median for this credential. While that debt level should concern any family, it aligns closely with what other NC community colleges report for business programs, suggesting that higher costs may be a statewide pattern rather than a Randolph-specific issue.

The estimated first-year earnings of $35,246 match the state median exactly and exceed the national benchmark by about $1,300. However, several comparable NC programs demonstrate that stronger outcomes are achievable: graduates from Catawba Valley and Davidson-Davie community colleges earn above $41,000 in their first year—about $6,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're carrying over $21,000 in student loans.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 falls within a manageable range, but remember these are estimates from peer programs, not actual outcomes from Randolph graduates. Before committing, request data on job placement rates and employer partnerships. The difference between a $35,000 start and a $41,000 start is roughly $500 monthly in pre-tax income—enough to significantly affect loan repayment comfort and financial independence in those critical early career years.