Business Administration, Management and Operations at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Rowan-Cabarrus graduates earn nearly $25,000 one year after completing this business certificate—about $7,400 below North Carolina's median for similar programs and roughly $14,000 under the national benchmark. While the program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, it performs slightly better within North Carolina, landing at the 25th percentile. Still, this means three-quarters of comparable NC programs deliver stronger earnings outcomes, including nearby South Piedmont Community College where graduates earn $40,686.

The relatively modest debt load of $10,253 helps soften the weak earnings picture, coming in well below both state and national medians. That said, when your first-year earnings barely reach $25,000, even $10,000 in debt represents a meaningful burden. The 15% earnings growth to $28,606 by year four is encouraging, but that still leaves graduates earning substantially less than peers from other community colleges in the state.

For families considering this program, the fundamental issue is opportunity cost. Your child could attend a different North Carolina community college offering the same credential and potentially earn $10,000-$15,000 more annually. Unless Rowan-Cabarrus offers compelling advantages like location convenience or specific industry connections, those higher-earning alternatives deserve serious consideration before enrollment.