Business Administration, Management and Operations at St Philip's College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
alamo.edu/spcBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
This undergraduate certificate in business management comes with estimated numbers that paint a challenging financial picture. Based on comparable programs across Texas, graduates might expect around $38,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median but trailing what students at Dallas College or University of Phoenix-Texas achieve with similar credentials. The estimated $15,250 in debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, which is manageable on paper but still means dedicating roughly five months of gross income just to cover educational costs.
What's concerning here is how little these estimated outcomes differ from what students might earn without this credential at all. First-year earnings of $38,000 barely exceed entry-level retail or hospitality management positions in San Antonio, raising questions about whether an undergraduate certificate provides enough differentiation in the job market. Other Texas community colleges offering business certificates show a wide range—some graduates earn $47,000 or more—suggesting that program quality and local employer relationships matter significantly.
For parents considering St Philip's, the key uncertainty is whether this specific program will deliver outcomes closer to the stronger Texas programs or fall below the state median. Without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on the school's execution and your child's ability to leverage the credential effectively. If cost is driving this decision, make sure there's a clear plan for how this certificate translates into specific job opportunities that justify even moderate debt.
Where St Philip's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (54 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,412 | $37,927* | — | $15,250* | — | |
| — | $48,528* | $65,468 | $12,928* | 0.27 | |
| $2,370 | $46,874* | $43,895 | $17,452* | 0.37 | |
| $1,728 | $38,168* | $45,853 | $16,000* | 0.42 | |
| $3,090 | $37,686* | $39,226 | $10,015* | 0.27 | |
| $2,136 | $34,489* | — | $17,500* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | — | $39,085* | — | $14,699* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 St Philip's College, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.