Business Administration at Tidewater Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 11,797 in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,919/yr, roughly in line with the $35,542 national median for Business Administration. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 43.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 27% 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 $35,919 far exceeding the $9,300 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #251 ranking among 455 Business Administration programs places Tidewater Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 35% earnings increase from $35,919 to $48,451 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 28 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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 Tidewater Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.