Business Administration, Management and Operations at Shawnee State University

This business administration associate's program appears positioned right at the median for Ohio, with comparable programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $37,000. That's modestly above the national median of roughly $34,000 for this credential, though considerably behind what some Ohio institutions report for their business grads—several community colleges and universities in the state see their associate's holders earning in the mid-$40,000s within a year.

The estimated debt load of roughly $14,000 yields a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates from similar programs would need about five months of gross income to cover what they borrowed. That's a reasonable financial position for an associate's degree, particularly at a school where over a third of students receive Pell grants. The actual debt burden could vary depending on your family's specific financial circumstances and aid package.

The gap between Shawnee State's estimated outcomes and the top-performing programs in Ohio is worth understanding before committing. If your student can access one of the stronger-performing community colleges—where reported earnings exceed $45,000—that extra $8,000 annually could make a meaningful difference in post-graduation financial stability. If Shawnee State offers other compelling advantages like location or support services, the estimated numbers suggest an acceptable foundation, but verify what specific career services and employer connections the program provides before enrolling.