Analysis
Salt Lake Community College's Business/Commerce associate's program hits a sweet spot that anxious parents should notice: graduates earn $43,359 in their first year—well above the national median of $36,591 and right at Utah's state median—while taking on just $9,525 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates owe less than three months' salary, making this one of the more financially manageable paths into business. The 74th percentile national ranking confirms this program punches above its weight for a two-year degree.
What makes this particularly attractive is the trajectory: earnings jump 23% to $53,497 by year four, suggesting graduates either advance quickly or leverage the degree as a stepping stone to higher positions. Among Utah's four programs (admittedly a small comparison set), this lands at the 60th percentile—solidly mid-pack for the state but with notably lower debt than the national average.
The moderate sample size means these numbers are reasonably stable, though not as bulletproof as larger datasets. For families prioritizing low debt and quick entry into the workforce, this represents a practical launchpad into business careers without the financial overhang that can hobble recent graduates.
Where Salt Lake Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Salt Lake Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | $43,359 | $53,497 | +23% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | $42,825 | $52,852 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Commerce associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City | $4,257 | $43,359 | $53,497 | $9,525 | 0.22 |
 Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills | $38,400 | $83,571 | $68,202 | $49,185 | 0.59 |
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $62,409 | $44,964 | $12,500 | 0.20 |
 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids | $23,324 | $49,530 | $48,012 | $31,338 | 0.63 |
 Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion | $31,168 | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion | $8,216 | $49,463 | $54,966 | $25,149 | 0.51 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Salt Lake Community College, approximately 16% 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 92 graduates with reported earnings and 130 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.