Business Administration, Management and Operations at Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Community College's business program produces first-year earnings of $41,032—outperforming three-quarters of similar programs nationally and sitting comfortably in the middle of Massachusetts community colleges. With estimated debt around $9,937 based on comparable programs at the institution, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $100, a manageable burden even at these salary levels.

The flat earnings trajectory deserves attention. While first-year outcomes are solid, the slight dip to $40,588 by year four suggests this associate's degree may function more as an entry credential than a launch pad. Many graduates likely use it to get hired and then either plateau or need additional education to advance. For students planning to transfer to a four-year program, this works fine. For those treating it as a terminal degree, income growth may require switching employers or pursuing professional certifications.

The value proposition here is straightforward for Roxbury Crossing families: low estimated debt exposure for earnings that exceed most peer programs. Sixty percent of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this serves as an affordable pathway for working-class students to enter business roles. The key question is whether your child views this as a stepping stone or destination—the debt load supports either strategy, but the earnings plateau suggests the former makes more sense.