Business Administration at Catawba Valley Community College

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

a compact campus enrolling 3,517 students in Hickory, NC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,230 track close to the $35,542 national median for Business Administration programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 142.5x 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.

Catawba Valley Community College ranks #67 among 455 Business Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

81 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
81
Score
83
High End
Earnings $32,230/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (53% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$337K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
142.5x
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)
$2,367
Out-of-state: $7,743

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 Catawba Valley Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Catawba Valley Community College's Business Administration program score?
At 81/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What's the AI risk for Business Administration graduates from Catawba Valley Community College?
AI won't eliminate Business Administration careers, but it may reshape them. At Catawba Valley Community College, a score of 81/100 already accounts for the 47% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why does Catawba Valley Community College rank so high for Business Administration?
Ranked #67 of 455 programs nationally, Catawba Valley Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Business Administration?
The DOL recognizes 28 apprenticeship pathways related to Business Administration. For students weighing Catawba Valley Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Business Administration graduates from Catawba Valley Community College find jobs?
At 1,753,300 annual openings, Business Administration has a very large employment base. Catawba Valley 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 →