Business/Commerce at Salt Lake Community College

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.