Business Administration, Management and Operations at Western Wyoming Community College

Western Wyoming Community College's business associate's program graduates carry just $8,500 in debt—less than half the national average and dramatically below Wyoming's typical $13,165. That's the standout feature here. First-year earnings of $38,357 land right at Wyoming's median and beat the national benchmark by over $4,000, putting graduates in the 69th percentile nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means students borrow less than three months' salary, which creates breathing room most associate's programs can't match.

The earnings trajectory looks solid, with graduates seeing a 10% bump to $42,049 by year four. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these figures could shift with more data. Among Wyoming's six schools offering this program, this ranks around the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional in-state.

For families worried about college debt, this program offers a practical path: gain business credentials without the burden of heavy loans. The combination of below-average debt and above-average starting pay makes it easier to build savings early rather than spending years digging out. Just recognize that the small cohort size means your child's experience could vary more than it might at larger programs.