Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Rio Grande

At $26,289 in estimated debt, this program carries roughly double the typical borrowing for business associate degrees in Ohio, where the median sits at $16,125. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, which would make this debt load manageable but not ideal—you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, meaning roughly 71% of a year's salary in loans. That's workable, but it means graduates would be starting with more financial pressure than peers at many other Ohio schools offering the same credential.

The earnings picture based on comparable programs is actually solid for an associate degree—matching the state median and running about $3,000 above the national benchmark. Several community colleges in Ohio report significantly stronger outcomes (Sinclair and Cincinnati State both show graduates earning around $45,000), which raises questions about why debt would be higher here when earnings appear average. For a program serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (36%), that debt differential matters considerably.

The bottom line: this estimated debt level puts you in a tougher starting position than most Ohio business associate programs without evidence of earnings to justify it. If your child is set on this school, understanding the actual aid package and comparing it directly to offers from community colleges with stronger reported outcomes would be essential before committing.