Business Administration at Del Mar College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,038 in Corpus Christi, TX.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $32,980/yr, roughly in line with the $35,542 national median for Business Administration. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 66.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Business Administration graduates.
With first-year pay of $32,980 far exceeding the $4,700 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #189 out of 455 programs, Del Mar College's Business Administration offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,980 to $44,622 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 28 registered apprenticeships mapped to Business Administration, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
About Business Administration Careers
Your career will likely begin on the front lines as a supervisor, where your day revolves around people. You’ll be creating work schedules, training new hires on office procedures, approving timesheets, and serving as the go-to person for your team’s daily questions. With experience, you can advance into an operations manager role. Here, your focus shifts to the bigger picture: analyzing performance data in spreadsheets to find efficiencies, managing departmental budgets, and solving logistical puzzles to keep the entire business running smoothly.
Compare & Explore
Business Administration Overview
Business Administration at Other Schools
Other Majors at Del Mar College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.