Business/Commerce at Tacoma Community College

Tacoma Community College graduates with associate's degrees in business are earning above the national median—$40,863 in the first year versus $36,591 nationally—and the program's low debt load of $11,500 keeps the financial burden manageable. That positions graduates right at Washington's state median for earnings, meaning this program performs solidly within a competitive local market for community college business degrees.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is reasonable for an associate's degree, and graduates see steady income growth of 11% by year four, reaching $45,421. That trajectory suggests the degree provides a foundation for career advancement, not just entry-level work. Among Washington's 33 community college business programs, Tacoma ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable middle-of-the-pack performance in a state where community colleges generally produce strong outcomes.

The significant caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger cohort. Still, for families seeking an affordable entry into business careers, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes this a sensible choice—just verify current outcomes directly with the school given the limited data sample.