Business Administration at Southwestern Community College

Sylva, NC · Public · Certificate · Business Administration, Management and Operations

a compact campus enrolling 1,304 students in Sylva, NC.

Program Analysis

Southwestern Community College's Business Administration program produces graduates earning $30,899/yr — within striking distance of the $35,542 national average for this trade.

With a 55.7x 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.

A #245 ranking among 455 Business Administration programs places Southwestern Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
71
Score
73
High End
Earnings $30,899/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$323K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
55.7x
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)
$5,806
Out-of-state: $19,630

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

Explore what Business Administration graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 455 programs nationwide.

Read the full Business Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Administration Overview

Business Administration at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwestern Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southwestern Community College's Business Administration program score?
This program scores 71/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Business Administration programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI affect Business Administration careers?
AI exposure of 47% is a real factor. For Southwestern Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($323,272) and pessimistic ($323,272) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Are there apprenticeship options for Business Administration?
The DOL recognizes 28 apprenticeship pathways related to Business Administration. For students weighing Southwestern Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Business Administration workers?
The very large job market (1,753,300 annual openings) works in favor of Business Administration graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →