Business Administration, Management and Operations at Valley College-Cleveland

Valley College-Cleveland's business administration associate's program shows decent outcomes, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. First-year earnings of $38,886 land above both the national and Ohio medians for this credential—placing in the 60th percentile statewide and 71st nationally. That's respectable performance for an associate's degree, suggesting graduates are finding reasonably solid entry-level positions.

The debt picture is actually better than it appears at first glance. While $21,146 might sound high, it sits well below the national median debt for this program type. The 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about half their first-year salary—manageable territory if they can maintain steady employment. Given that 77% of students here receive Pell grants, this program appears to be serving primarily lower-income students and getting them into the workforce with earnings that exceed state norms.

The caveat is those top Ohio programs: places like Ohio Christian University and Sinclair Community College are producing graduates earning $45,000-plus in their first year. Valley College sits comfortably in the middle of the pack but isn't breaking into the top tier. For an anxious parent whose child needs an affordable path to steady work, this checks the boxes—just understand you're not getting elite placement results.