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Business Administration at Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations

serving 7,438 students in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,385 at Kirkwood Community College come in 5% above the national median of $35,542 for Business Administration programs.

With a 32.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $37,385 far exceeding the $14,145 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #276 ranking among 455 Business Administration programs places Kirkwood Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $37,385 to $38,052 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 28 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
69
Score
71
High End
Earnings $37,385/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$391K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
32.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
42 of 42
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,960
Out-of-state: $15,936
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,145
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,052
2% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 42 career paths with full salary data →

Business Administration Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Business Administration careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering business & office.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

View all 455 schools offering Business Administration →

Business Administration at Other Schools

University of Georgia ($77,610) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($74,402) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($74,402) Purdue University-Main Campus ($71,977) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($66,278) Northcentral Technical College ($60,405) William Rainey Harper College ($59,982) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($58,087)

Other Majors at Kirkwood Community College

Nursing ($64,461) Electrical Engineering Technology ($60,210) Agricultural Mechanization ($54,829) Allied Health Professions ($52,364) Electromechanical Technology ($50,387) Precision Metalworking ($48,114) Vehicle Repair Technology ($44,896) Agricultural Production Operations ($42,392)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Business Administration degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Business Administration at Kirkwood Community College?
At 69/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business Administration is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at Kirkwood Community College?
Our scenarios model 47% of Business Administration tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Kirkwood Community College's 69/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Can I learn Business Administration through an apprenticeship instead of Kirkwood Community College?
If Kirkwood Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 28 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Business Administration. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Business Administration graduates from Kirkwood Community College find jobs?
At 1,753,300 annual openings, Business Administration has a very large employment base. Kirkwood Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →