Business Administration, Management and Operations at Schoolcraft Community College District

Schoolcraft's Business Administration associate degree shows modest results that lag behind most Michigan community colleges, with first-year earnings of $33,086 placing it in just the 40th percentile statewide. Graduates at nearby Macomb and Washtenaw community colleges earn roughly $10,000 more annually in comparable programs, suggesting this isn't the strongest business program option in the Detroit metro area. The silver lining is the $10,000 debt load—about 30% below typical Michigan borrowing for this degree—which keeps the financial burden manageable.

The 27% earnings growth from year one to year four ($33,086 to $41,960) helps close some of the initial gap, though graduates still trail the state median throughout their early careers. With debt equal to just three months of starting salary, students can realistically pay this off quickly even with below-average earnings. However, the small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly with more graduates tracked.

For Michigan families, this makes sense primarily as a low-cost stepping stone—if you're planning to transfer to a four-year program or simply need credentials while working full-time. If your child intends to enter the workforce directly after two years, the higher-earning programs at Macomb or Washtenaw offer better return for similar community college costs. The financial risk is low here, but so is the upside compared to nearby alternatives.