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Business Operations Support and Assistant Services programs reveal striking affordability gaps, with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College charging just $2,978 net price while some private institutions reach $7,635. The 20 schools span a graduation rate range from 23.6% to 72.1%, highlighting significant quality differences among budget options. Puerto Rico dominates this affordable market with 11 institutions, reflecting the island's focus on business support education and lower operating costs. Graduates enter a growing field where administrative support occupations are projected to add 283,000 jobs nationally through 2031, with particular strength in healthcare and professional services sectors. Baruch College stands out not only for its rock-bottom pricing but also its impressive 72.1% graduation rate, proving that affordable doesn't mean compromised outcomes. The earnings data shows considerable variation, from $8,750 to $19,227, suggesting that program choice and location significantly impact career prospects in this essential business function area.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $27,662
Net Price Range
$17,513
Avg. Program Earnings
49.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $3,645 $7,630 62.0%
3 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
4 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
5 $4,704 $6,970 52.2%
6 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
7 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
8 $6,310 $5,966 62.5%
9 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
10 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
11 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
12 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
13 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
14 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
15 $7,635 $5,966 44.0%
16 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
17 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
18 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
19 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
20 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
21 $9,619 $4,730 13.9%
22 $9,657 $6,284 31.4% 93.2%
23 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
24 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
25 $10,725 $5,195 48.0%
26 $11,298 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
27 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
28 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
29 $12,222 76.9%
30 $12,386 $5,354 24.6% 68.0%
31 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
32 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
33 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
34 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
35 $14,072 $7,986 40.2% 55.4%
36 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
37 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
38 $14,989 $16,480 69.1% 71.8%
39 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
40 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
41 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
42 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
43 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
44 $17,819 $19,530 61.1% 52.5%
45 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
46 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
47 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
48 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
49 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
50 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Bernard M Baruch College the most affordable option at $2,978?

Baruch College benefits from New York's substantial public university funding and serves as part of the City University of New York system. The school maintains exceptionally low costs while delivering a 72.1% graduation rate, the highest among all 20 programs. Its Manhattan location provides direct access to major employers who regularly hire business operations support staff. The $2,978 net price represents actual student costs after financial aid, making it accessible to low-income students.

How do Puerto Rican institutions dominate this affordable list?

Puerto Rico hosts 11 of the 20 most affordable programs, with net prices ranging from $3,645 at Dewey University-Carolina to $7,635 at Caribbean University-Carolina. The island's lower cost of living translates to reduced operational expenses for universities. These schools serve the local business community while offering significantly lower tuition than mainland US institutions. However, graduation rates vary widely from 23.6% to 62.5%, requiring careful program evaluation.

Is there a connection between low cost and graduation success rates?

The data shows no clear correlation between price and graduation outcomes in this field. CUNY Baruch College combines the lowest cost ($2,978) with the highest graduation rate (72.1%). However, EDP University San Juan charges $4,989 but graduates only 23.6% of students. Caribbean University-Vega Baja achieves a solid 62.5% graduation rate at $6,310 net cost. Students must research individual program quality rather than assume price reflects educational value.

What earnings can graduates expect from these affordable programs?

Early career earnings range from $8,750 to $19,227 among schools reporting salary data. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus graduates earn $19,227 despite a modest 36.4% graduation rate and $7,569 net cost. University of Puerto Rico at Ponce graduates start at $9,167 with better graduation prospects at 50.6%. The wide earnings gap suggests that program focus, internship opportunities, and regional job markets significantly impact starting salaries in business operations support roles.

Where do most affordable Business Operations programs cluster geographically?

Puerto Rico and New York contain the majority of budget-friendly options, with 12 of 20 schools between these two locations. Puerto Rico's concentration reflects the territory's educational infrastructure and economic conditions. Brigham Young University-Idaho breaks the geographic pattern at $7,131, offering mainland US education at competitive pricing. The geographic clustering means students often face a choice between staying local for minimal debt or relocating for potentially better job market access.

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