Human Services at Bryant & Stratton College-Online

Bryant & Stratton's online human services program carries significantly more debt than its New York competitors while delivering middle-of-the-pack earnings. At $29,279 in median debt, students here borrow more than double what their peers at most New York community colleges take on—the state median is just $13,946. Yet the program's $31,677 first-year earnings, while above the state median, still leaves graduates with debt nearly equal to their entire first year's salary.

The numbers look particularly stark against the state's community college options. CUNY Bronx graduates earn $4,600 more annually with far less debt. Even programs with similar earnings, like Hudson Valley Community College, come with substantially lower borrowing. The 60th percentile state ranking for earnings doesn't offset being among the highest-debt options in New York for this field.

For a family weighing this program, the core issue is whether the online format justifies the premium. Human services work—often in social assistance, counseling support, or community outreach—rarely offers rapid salary growth that would quickly retire this debt level. With three-quarters of students here receiving Pell grants, many families are already stretching financially. Unless the online flexibility is essential for your situation, New York's community colleges offer notably better value in this field, combining lower debt with comparable or better earnings outcomes.