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Best Value Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services programs show remarkable earnings variation across price points, with East Carolina University graduates earning $39,009 annually while paying just $16,514 net cost. This major prepares students for roles that keep organizations running smoothly, from administrative coordination to process management. The field has grown substantially as companies recognize the value of specialized operational support, particularly in healthcare systems, financial services, and government agencies that require precise documentation and workflow management. Puerto Rican institutions dominate the most affordable options, with Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina offering a net cost of $7,569, while mainland public universities like Valdosta State provide strong earning potential at $31,133 with moderate debt loads of $34,937. The wide acceptance rates across programs, often exceeding 85%, reflect the growing demand for skilled business support professionals who can navigate complex organizational systems and technology platforms.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $35,634
Net Price Range
$17,513
Avg. Program Earnings
48.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,298 $31,133 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
2 $7,569 $19,227 $6,920 36.4%
3 $16,514 $39,009 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
4 $9,657 $14,072 $6,284 31.4% 93.2%
5 $7,455 $9,167 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
6 $12,684 $14,935 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
7 $8,142 $8,750 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
8 $11,759 $10,092 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
9 $13,487 $11,234 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
10 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
11 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
12 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
13 $4,704 $6,970 52.2%
14 $7,635 $5,966 44.0%
15 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
16 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
17 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
18 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
19 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
20 $14,072 $7,986 40.2% 55.4%
21 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
22 $12,386 $5,354 24.6% 68.0%
23 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
24 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
25 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
26 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
27 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
28 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
29 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
30 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
31 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
32 $14,989 $16,480 69.1% 71.8%
33 $17,819 $19,530 61.1% 52.5%
34 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
35 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
36 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
37 $12,222 76.9%
38 $9,619 $4,730 13.9%
39 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
40 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
41 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
42 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
43 $28,345 $8,886 55.9%
44 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
45 $10,725 $5,195 48.0%
46 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
47 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
48 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
49 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
50 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,000+ earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

East Carolina graduates earn $39,009 compared to $8,750 from University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla, reflecting regional economic differences and program focus areas. Mainland universities often connect students with larger corporate employers and government contractors that offer higher compensation packages. Geographic location plays a major role, as business support roles in North Carolina's research triangle and Georgia's corporate centers typically pay more than similar positions in smaller markets. The 62% graduation rate at East Carolina also suggests more rigorous preparation that translates to better job placement outcomes.

How do Puerto Rican institutions offer such low net costs for this major?

University of Puerto Rico campuses charge in-state tuition ranging from $5,274 to $6,284, creating net costs as low as $7,455 at the Ponce campus. These public institutions receive territorial funding that keeps educational costs minimal for residents. The Mayaguez campus combines a $12,684 net cost with $14,935 in graduate earnings, providing solid value despite lower absolute earning potential. However, graduation rates vary significantly across campuses, from 31% at Bayamon to 53% at Humacao, indicating different levels of student support and academic rigor.

Does Iowa State University justify its higher cost compared to other public options?

Iowa State charges $18,165 net cost but achieves a 75% graduation rate, the highest among public universities in this analysis. The program benefits from Iowa's strong agricultural and insurance industries, which rely heavily on operational support professionals. Students graduate with $22,363 in debt, but the high completion rate suggests better academic support and career preparation. The 90% acceptance rate indicates accessibility while maintaining quality outcomes for business operations training.

What makes Valdosta State University stand out among mainland public options?

Valdosta State delivers strong graduate earnings of $31,133 with a reasonable net cost of $11,298 for in-state students. The 42% graduation rate reflects challenges common to many public institutions, but those who complete the program enter Georgia's growing logistics and healthcare administration sectors. Students carry $34,937 in debt upon graduation, which represents about one year of expected salary. The 89% acceptance rate makes this program accessible to students seeking business operations training in the Southeast.

Is the private option at Baker University worth considering despite higher costs?

Baker University charges $22,500 net cost with a sticker price of $33,900, making it the most expensive option analyzed. The 59% graduation rate exceeds many public alternatives, suggesting stronger student support systems. However, earnings data was not available for Baker graduates, making cost-benefit analysis difficult. The 92% acceptance rate indicates the program welcomes students with varying academic backgrounds, but the financial investment requires careful consideration without clear salary outcomes.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.