Analysis
A $26,500 debt load for a business degree might seem manageable on paper, but the estimated first-year earnings here tell a more sobering story. Based on comparable programs in New York, graduates from this type of program typically earn around $41,000 in their first year—well below the $50,740 national median for business majors. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means you're looking at roughly eight months of gross income just to cover what's borrowed, before taxes and living expenses enter the picture.
The four-year earnings figure of $70,121 offers some reassurance that there's income growth potential, which is typical for business careers as graduates move beyond entry-level roles. However, that initial earning period matters significantly when you're servicing student loans. New York's business programs show considerable variation—some SUNY options produce similar outcomes with lower debt burdens, while prestigious programs like NYU command the same starting salaries despite their brand premium.
The bottom line: this program's estimated outcomes suggest a tighter financial runway than many families expect from a business degree. If your child is set on Adelphi specifically, have frank conversations about living at home initially or graduating with less debt through scholarships or part-time work. The business degree itself has solid long-term earning potential, but the path from graduation to financial stability may require more patience than peer programs offer.
Where Adelphi University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | — | $70,121 | — |
| Elon University | $60,719 | $92,616 | +53% |
| New York University | $41,421 | $78,522 | +90% |
| SUNY Maritime College | $44,675 | $63,807 | +43% |
| SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | $39,202 | $46,428 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Adelphi UniversityGarden City | $47,290 | $41,421* | $70,121 | $26,500* | — |
 SUNY Maritime CollegeThroggs Neck | $8,540 | $44,675* | $63,807 | $19,500* | 0.44 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $41,421* | $78,522 | $23,000* | 0.56 |
 SUNY College of Technology at AlfredAlfred | $8,862 | $39,202* | $46,428 | $26,000* | 0.66 |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adelphi University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.