Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Tidewater Community College

Tidewater's Business Operations program launches graduates at $35,687—beating 95% of similar programs nationwide and topping all but two comparable programs in Virginia. That's $7,000 above the national median and $3,500 above Virginia's state average, suggesting this community college has built particularly strong employer relationships in the Hampton Roads business community.

The concern is what happens next: earnings drop to $29,071 by year four, an 18% decline that's unusual for any program. This pattern likely reflects the nature of administrative support roles, where entry positions may offer decent pay but limited advancement without additional credentials. The $22,300 in debt sits right at both the state and national median, creating a manageable but not trivial burden given the earnings trajectory. On the positive side, that 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for the first year out.

For a student planning to use this associate's degree as a stepping stone—perhaps working while pursuing a bachelor's—Tidewater delivers strong initial placement. But families should understand that administrative support roles often hit a ceiling quickly. The real value here may be the relatively low cost and immediate employability, making it a practical choice for students who need to start earning right away while keeping options open for further education.