Business/Commerce at Wright State University-Lake Campus

Ohio's business associate's programs show significant variation, with top performers like James A. Rhodes State College producing first-year earnings around $45,000 while peer programs across the state typically cluster near $39,000. Wright State-Lake Campus's business program appears positioned at this state median level based on comparable Ohio programs, suggesting graduates enter the workforce earning roughly what their counterparts do statewide. That's about $2,300 above the national median for business associate's degrees, though still well below what the strongest programs deliver.

The estimated debt load of $20,565 is more concerning—it sits substantially above the national median of $13,437 for this credential. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates would need to dedicate over half their first year's salary just to match their borrowing, even before accounting for interest. Programs at similar state schools typically carry this same debt burden, which raises questions about whether Ohio's public colleges generally cost more than their national peers for this type of degree.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the convenience of a local campus justifies paying roughly $7,000 more in debt than the typical business associate's program nationwide. The earnings appear solid enough—right in line with state averages—but the financing structure puts graduates at a disadvantage compared to students in other states who emerge with lighter debt loads and similar earning potential.