Business/Commerce at Spokane Falls Community College

Based on comparable programs nationally, this associate's degree in business appears positioned near the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings of $36,591 and debt around $11,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests manageable repayment—roughly a third of first-year income—though it's worth noting that similar programs at other Washington community colleges like Tacoma and Clark report actual graduate earnings closer to $41,000, about $4,500 higher.

The estimated debt figure of $11,500 sits below the national median for business associate's programs, which is reassuring given that community college credentials should ideally minimize borrowing. However, peer programs in Washington suggest earnings potential may be somewhat higher than these national estimates indicate. The state median for business associate's degrees is $40,588, which would improve the financial picture considerably if Spokane Falls graduates track closer to state norms than national ones.

For parents weighing this option, the estimated numbers point to a workable investment—debt that could realistically be paid down within a few years if graduates land near-median wages. But the lack of actual outcomes data means you're betting on probabilities rather than proven results. If minimizing risk matters most, look at nearby programs with reported data, or plan for your student to continue to a bachelor's degree where earnings trajectories become clearer and more substantial.