Business Administration, Management and Operations at Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College's business administration associate's degree clocks in right at the median for Virginia community colleges—both in earnings and debt—making it a textbook example of what this credential typically delivers. Starting at $36,000 and climbing to nearly $43,000 by year four represents solid progression, though it's worth noting that top Virginia programs like Piedmont and Virginia Peninsula consistently place graduates $6,000-$8,000 ahead from day one.

The debt load of $11,950 translates to roughly four months of first-year salary, which is manageable territory for a two-year degree. The 19% earnings bump over four years suggests graduates are finding opportunities to advance, though they're starting from a modest base. This program performs slightly better than the state median but lands squarely in the middle third among Virginia's 36 business programs.

For families considering this route: it's a low-risk entry point into business careers that won't saddle your child with crushing debt. The payoff isn't spectacular, but it's predictable and affordable. If your student is location-bound to the Norfolk area, this works fine. If they have flexibility, shopping around among Virginia's community colleges could add several thousand dollars to their starting salary without increasing debt.