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Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

240 Schools Ranked
$5,942 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,119 Avg Student Debt

There are so many business programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This report analyzed 240 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
1,670 Total Awards
$4,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,095 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Eastern Gateway Community College the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for business students working on their associate degree. Eastern Gateway Community College is located in Steubenville, Ohio and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,670 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,410 in tuition and fees if they attend Eastern Gateway Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,022. Associate Degree recipients from Eastern Gateway Community College accumulate an average of $18,095 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Eastern Gateway Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#2

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,393 Total Awards
$4,637 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,984 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Ivy Tech Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the large public school handed out 1,393 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Indiana pay an average of $4,637 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Ivy Tech Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,927. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,984 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Ivy Tech Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#3

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
764 Total Awards
$10,125 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,073 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Purdue University Global. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Purdue University Global is a public institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 764 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Purdue University Global is $10,125. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,436. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,073 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, Purdue University Global is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Purdue University Global Report

329 Total Awards
$4,329 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,728 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Sinclair Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Dayton, Ohio, the fairly large public school handed out 329 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,329 in tuition and fees if they attend Sinclair Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,076. On average, associate degree students take out $16,728 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Sinclair Community College. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#5

Oakland Community College

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
304 Total Awards
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,050 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Oakland Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Oakland Community College is a fairly large public school located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan that handed out 304 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Oakland Community College, expect to pay an average of $5,200 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,050 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Online courses are available at Oakland Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 27% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Oakland Community College Report

#6

Macomb Community College

Warren, Michigan
290 Total Awards
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,249 Avg Student Debt

Macomb Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Warren, Michigan, and it awarded 290 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Michigan pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Macomb Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,680. Associate Degree recipients from Macomb Community College accumulate an average of $11,249 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Macomb Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 63% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Macomb Community College Report

277 Total Awards
$19,919 Avg Student Debt

Columbus State Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the large public school handed out 277 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from Columbus State accumulate an average of $19,919 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Columbus State. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 44% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Columbus State Community College

274 Total Awards
$9,239 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,876 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Marion, Indiana, and it awarded 274 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at IWU is $9,239. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,876 in student loans. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at IWU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Report

#9

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
262 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,424 Avg Student Debt

DeVry University - Illinois came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the large private for-profit school handed out 262 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

DeVry University - Illinois does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $15,032. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $35,424 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

DeVry University - Illinois does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#10

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
249 Total Awards
$4,793 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,921 Avg Student Debt

Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school handed out 249 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,793 in tuition and fees if they attend MATC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,908. Associate Degree recipients from MATC accumulate an average of $21,921 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MATC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Milwaukee Area Technical College Report

#11

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
244 Total Awards
$4,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,312 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and it awarded 244 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $4,734 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend NWTC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,849. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,312 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since NWTC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 51% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Report

#12

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
235 Total Awards
$4,746 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,318 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Fox Valley Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 235 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at FVTC is $4,746. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,861. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,318 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

FVTC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 42% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#13

Henry Ford College

Dearborn, Michigan
234 Total Awards
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,961 Avg Student Debt

Henry Ford College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Dearborn, Michigan, and it awarded 234 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Michigan pay an average of $5,200 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Henry Ford College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,192. Associate Degree recipients from Henry Ford College accumulate an average of $24,961 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Online courses are available at Henry Ford College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Henry Ford College Report

#14

Schoolcraft College

Livonia, Michigan
233 Total Awards
$5,494 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,698 Avg Student Debt

Schoolcraft College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Schoolcraft College is located in Livonia, Michigan and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 233 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $5,494 in tuition and fees if they attend Schoolcraft College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,574. Associate Degree recipients from Schoolcraft College accumulate an average of $17,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Schoolcraft College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 49% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Schoolcraft College

#15

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
216 Total Awards
$4,600 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,947 Avg Student Debt

Madison Area Technical College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Madison Area Technical College is a fairly large public school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 216 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $4,600 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Madison College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,769. Associate Degree recipients from Madison College accumulate an average of $21,947 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Madison College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Madison Area Technical College

203 Total Awards
$16,998 Avg Student Debt

Cuyahoga Community College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 203 students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $16,998 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cuyahoga Community College District. During the 2019-2020 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#17

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois
200 Total Awards
$9,750 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,637 Avg Student Debt

College of DuPage ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. COD is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 200 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at COD is $9,750. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,850. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,637 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

COD does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full College of DuPage Report

#18

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
199 Total Awards
$4,248 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,975 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Washtenaw Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. Washtenaw Community College is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 199 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Michigan who attend Washtenaw Community College full time pay an average of $4,248 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,856. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,975 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Washtenaw Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Washtenaw Community College Report

#19

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
194 Total Awards
$4,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,208 Avg Student Debt

Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Eau Claire, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 194 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CVTC is $4,568. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,683. Associate Degree recipients from CVTC accumulate an average of $20,208 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CVTC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 60% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Chippewa Valley Technical College Report

#20

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
183 Total Awards
$4,572 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,870 Avg Student Debt

Western Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #20 on the list. This small public school is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and it awarded 183 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Wisconsin pay an average of $4,572 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Western Technical College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,687. Associate Degree recipients from Western Technical College accumulate an average of $18,870 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Online courses are available at Western Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Western Technical College Report

#21

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
181 Total Awards
$4,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,525 Avg Student Debt

Gateway Technical College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree business programs. Gateway Technical College is a public institution located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 181 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Wisconsin who attend Gateway Technical College full time pay an average of $4,688 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,803. On average, associate degree students take out $18,525 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Gateway Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

173 Total Awards
$6,387 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,575 Avg Student Debt

University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in Blue Ash, Ohio, the medium-sized public school handed out 173 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Ohio who attend UC Blue Ash College full time pay an average of $6,387 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,185. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,575 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UC Blue Ash College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College

#23

Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio
164 Total Awards
$4,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,837 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Stark State College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. Stark State College is a public institution located in North Canton, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 164 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,310 in tuition and fees if they attend Stark State College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,406. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,837 in student loans. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Stark State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Stark State College

164 Total Awards
$4,465 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,649 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Lorain County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Elyria, Ohio, and it awarded 164 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LCCC is $4,465. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,405. On average, associate degree students take out $20,649 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

LCCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 92% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Lorain County Community College Report

157 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,224 Avg Student Debt

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the medium-sized public school handed out 157 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Ohio who attend Cincinnati State full time pay an average of $5,040 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,090. Associate Degree recipients from Cincinnati State accumulate an average of $19,224 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Online courses are available at Cincinnati State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Report

Not only did these schools make the top 37 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, Michigan
#27

Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, Wisconsin
#29

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, Wisconsin
#30

Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan
#31

Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana
#31

Owens Community College

Perrysburg, Ohio
#33

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
#34

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
#35

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
#36

Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio
#37

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois

View Most Popular Business Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
38 Rasmussen University - Illinois Rockford, IL
39 Indiana Institute of Technology - College of Professional Studies Fort-Wayne, IN
40 Mid-State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids, WI
41 Delta College University Center, MI
42 Kellogg Community College Battle Creek, MI
43 Lakeland Community College Kirtland, OH
44 Mid Michigan College Harrison, MI
45 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Shell Lake, WI
46 Baker College Owosso, MI
46 Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI
48 Clark State Community College Springfield, OH
48 North Central State College Mansfield, OH

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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