Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Virginia Peninsula Community College

Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates start strong at $34,177—well above both the national median ($28,691) and Virginia's median ($32,151) for business operations programs. At 60th percentile statewide, it's performing solidly among Virginia's 19 programs, though trailing nearby Tidewater Community College by about $1,500. The debt load of $16,604 is notably lower than both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings drop to $28,544 by year four—a 16% decline that erases the initial advantage. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, this could reflect just a few people changing careers or taking time off rather than a systemic problem with the program. The small sample makes it harder to know whether this trajectory is typical.

For families, this comes down to risk tolerance with limited data. The combination of strong initial placement and below-average debt suggests the program gets students launched effectively. If your student plans to use this as a stepping stone—whether to a bachelor's degree or specialized certifications—the low debt makes that path affordable. Just don't bank on earnings automatically climbing in those first few years after graduation.