Business Administration, Management and Operations at Sinclair Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Something has gone seriously wrong with Sinclair's undergraduate business certificate. Graduates earn just $13,181 one year after completing the program—less than half Ohio's state median of $28,501 for this credential, and barely a quarter of the national median. This places Sinclair in the 10th percentile statewide and 5th percentile nationally, meaning 90-95% of comparable programs produce better outcomes. For context, other Ohio community colleges like Marion Technical College achieve earnings more than three times higher with the same certificate.
The $9,266 in typical debt might seem modest, but it represents 70% of first-year earnings—a burden that would take years to recover from at these income levels. These numbers suggest graduates may be working part-time, in roles unrelated to their training, or facing significant local employment challenges. Either way, this certificate isn't opening doors to meaningful business careers in the way similar credentials do elsewhere in Ohio.
This is not a viable investment. Parents should recognize that certificate programs are supposed to be quick, affordable pathways to employment—Sinclair's version fails on the employment outcome that matters most. If your child is interested in business, other Ohio community colleges are delivering substantially better results with the same credential type.
Where Sinclair Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sinclair Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sinclair Community College graduates earn $13k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all business administration, management and operations certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College | $13,181 | — | $9,266 | 0.70 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $66,278 | — | $18,250 | 0.28 |
| Marion Technical College | $46,334 | — | $9,004 | 0.19 |
| Stautzenberger College-Maumee | $28,501 | — | $16,563 | 0.58 |
| Stautzenberger College-Brecksville | $28,501 | — | $16,563 | 0.58 |
| National Median | $39,085 | — | $14,699 | 0.38 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $66,278 | $18,250 |
| Marion Technical College Marion | $6,475 | $46,334 | $9,004 |
| Stautzenberger College-Maumee Maumee | $16,699 | $28,501 | $16,563 |
| Stautzenberger College-Brecksville Brecksville | $16,699 | $28,501 | $16,563 |
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 131 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.