Accounting at Bryant & Stratton College-Albany

Bryant & Stratton College-Albany's accounting associate program costs significantly more than typical New York options—graduates carry $26,291 in debt versus the state median of $14,873—yet earnings of $36,958 place this program in the 60th percentile for New York accounting programs. That's above the state median but still below several community colleges that leave students with far less debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 puts this among the most expensive programs in the country relative to what graduates typically earn, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden.

The modest earnings growth to $38,715 after four years suggests graduates establish stable employment but don't see dramatic salary progression in their early careers. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves a largely working-class population who may be particularly vulnerable to the higher debt load. While the program does produce earnings slightly above New York's median for accounting associates, the financial premium you're paying doesn't translate to meaningfully better outcomes than community colleges that cost half as much.

For families watching their budget, the math is straightforward: you can get similar or better earnings outcomes at several SUNY community colleges while cutting your debt burden substantially. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose this specific campus—location, scheduling flexibility, or support services—the extra $11,000+ in debt is difficult to justify when nearby community colleges deliver comparable career results.