Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North

This program starts with modest earnings that actually decline over time—graduates earn $32,115 in their first year but see their income drop to $30,267 by year four. While the debt load of $24,200 isn't crushing, the combination of below-average starting pay (28th percentile nationally) and negative earnings growth creates a concerning trajectory for long-term financial stability.

The New York comparison offers some perspective: this program performs slightly below the state median of $32,890, ranking in the 40th percentile among NY allied health programs. However, looking at top performers in the state reveals the opportunity cost—programs like Orange County Community College ($51,727) and CUNY Kingsborough ($45,361) deliver significantly higher earnings with similar degree requirements. The gap between this program and the best options in New York is substantial, representing nearly $20,000 in annual earning potential.

For a program serving primarily Pell Grant recipients (65%), the earnings decline over time is particularly problematic since these students typically can't afford extended job searches or unpaid training to advance their careers. Parents should seriously consider whether community college alternatives might provide better value, especially given that many offer stronger alumni networks and job placement support in the same field.