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

Graduates of this online business program earn nearly $10,000 less than the typical New York business major and rank in just the 13th percentile nationally—but they're also carrying debt nearly double the national average at $45,243. With first-year earnings around $36,000, that 1.24 debt ratio means graduates are starting with more debt than their entire first year's salary, a significantly heavier burden than the typical business program creates.

The 16% earnings growth to $42,000 by year four helps, but even then, graduates remain well below their peers statewide. While this program ranks at the 40th percentile in New York (essentially middle-of-the-pack for earnings in the state), the debt load puts it in the bottom 5% nationally—a troubling combination. With three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched, making that above-average debt particularly risky. Compare this to other New York options: even mid-tier state programs are producing graduates who earn $20,000+ more within a few years.

For a business degree—where stronger programs at public universities or even other private colleges in New York offer better earnings potential with less debt—this represents a difficult financial proposition. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances that make this specific online format necessary, most families would find better value elsewhere in New York's competitive business education landscape.