Public Health at Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo

Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo's Public Health associate degree costs significantly more than what most students pay nationally for this credential—about $10,000 more in debt than the median program. The question for parents is whether the earnings justify that premium. At $33,828 in the first year, graduates do earn above the national median ($30,191), placing them at the 75th percentile nationwide. However, within New York, these earnings merely match the state median, meaning this program doesn't give your student a competitive edge against other in-state options.

The debt burden is substantial relative to starting pay, with graduates owing nearly 90% of their first-year salary. While earnings do grow to $38,013 by year four—a solid 12% increase—that debt load still represents a meaningful financial obligation for someone in entry-level public health work. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves a population where taking on $30,000 in debt for an associate degree carries real risk.

The bottom line: This program delivers average New York outcomes at above-average cost. If your child qualifies for significant financial aid that brings debt below $20,000, the earnings trajectory could make sense. At full price, though, you're essentially paying a premium for results that other New York programs achieve at lower cost.