Business/Commerce at Strayer University-Virginia

Strayer's associate business program costs more than twice what you'd pay at most community colleges, but the earnings data suggests graduates land jobs that actually justify the premium. First-year earnings of $44,154 beat 95% of similar business programs nationally and place above Virginia's median for this degree, putting graduates within striking distance of $50,000 by year four.

The $32,810 debt load is the real consideration here. While it's significantly higher than typical community college debt, it's still more manageable than many bachelor's programs, and that 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn more in their first year than they owe. Given that over half of students receive Pell grants, Strayer appears to be delivering workforce outcomes for students who might otherwise struggle to access career-focused education. The program ties Liberty University's earnings despite Liberty's broader name recognition.

The math works if your child needs the structure and support services that come with for-profit education. At this price point, though, you'd want to confirm they're committed to finishing—incomplete credentials at this cost would be painful. For a motivated student who could succeed at Northern Virginia Community College for half the debt, that's worth serious consideration first.