Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo

Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo's business program produces graduates earning $42,204 four years out—essentially matching the New York state median for business degrees, which might sound adequate until you consider the debt load. At $45,243, graduates here carry nearly double the typical debt for this degree both nationally and in New York, where most programs saddle students with around $25,000. That 1.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year, a concerning starting point for a general business degree.

The 40th percentile ranking among New York business programs tells you this is middle-of-the-road performance within the state, but the national comparison is more troubling—13th percentile means most business programs elsewhere produce stronger earnings outcomes. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on substantial debt for returns they could potentially achieve at SUNY schools with far lower costs. The 16% earnings growth shows some upward mobility, but you're still looking at mid-$40,000s income by year four while carrying debt that approaches that annual salary.

For families specifically drawn to Bryant & Stratton's Buffalo location and support services, understand you're trading accessibility for economics. The debt burden here creates a steeper climb than most business programs require, particularly when New York offers numerous alternatives with similar or better outcomes at lower cost.