Business/Commerce at University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

An estimated $20,565 in debt—about $7,000 above the national median for associate business programs—sets this program apart in Ohio, though not in a reassuring way. Based on comparable programs at similar Ohio institutions, students here are borrowing significantly more than their counterparts nationwide, while earning roughly what other business associate graduates in the state make. That first-year salary estimate of $38,871 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning graduates would owe more than half their first year's income—manageable but not particularly attractive.

The earnings themselves align with Ohio's median for business associate programs, putting graduates roughly $2,300 ahead of the national benchmark. That's modest but real breathing room. However, James A. Rhodes State College demonstrates that Ohio business associate programs can deliver $45,000+ in first-year earnings, suggesting location and program strength matter considerably within the state.

The fundamental tension here is straightforward: you're looking at above-average debt for average earnings in a field where community colleges typically offer better debt positioning. With only 11% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to serve primarily traditional students who may have other financing options. If your family can minimize borrowing through scholarships or out-of-pocket payment, the program becomes more defensible. Otherwise, exploring lower-debt business programs in Ohio—particularly those with stronger early earnings—would be prudent before committing.