Business Administration, Management and Operations at Berkeley College-New York

Berkeley College's business management program places graduates near the middle of New York's competitive landscape—landing in the 40th percentile statewide—but charges debt loads that rank among the highest 5% nationally. With $38,926 in median debt against first-year earnings of just under $40,000, new graduates face a nearly 1:1 debt-to-income ratio before they've established themselves professionally.

The program serves a predominantly working-class population (54% receive Pell grants), and earnings do show solid growth over time, climbing 18% to reach $46,914 by year four. However, that four-year mark still trails the national median for business programs by several thousand dollars. When comparing debt burdens, Berkeley charges roughly $13,000 more than the typical New York business program and $12,000 above the national median—a significant premium that isn't reflected in stronger earning outcomes.

The bottom line for families: This program's debt load creates real financial pressure in those crucial early career years when graduates are least equipped to handle it. The 54% Pell grant population suggests many students here lack family safety nets to cushion that burden. Unless your child has substantial scholarship aid that brings total borrowing well below the advertised median, New York offers numerous business programs with better earnings-to-debt ratios that would provide more financial breathing room after graduation.