Business/Commerce at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North

Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North's business associate degree lands squarely at New York's median for earnings—$30,059 right after graduation—but that state context masks a larger concern. Nationally, these graduates earn about $6,500 less than typical business associate degree holders, placing the program in just the 22nd percentile. The debt load of $24,509 is nearly double the national median for this credential, though keeping it under one year's salary does provide some cushion. Earnings barely budge over four years, suggesting limited advancement without additional credentials.

For a family weighing in-state options, this program does match what other New York business associate programs deliver in terms of salary outcomes. But the debt picture is less favorable—paying nearly twice what business graduates nationally carry means a longer repayment timeline. The 65% Pell Grant rate indicates this school primarily serves students who may have fewer financial safety nets if the degree doesn't translate to wage gains quickly.

The fundamental tradeoff here: you're paying above-average debt for below-average national outcomes, even though the program is median for New York. If your child can access a business program at a SUNY community college with lower debt, that becomes the more strategic path. Otherwise, treat this as viable only if they're already working and using it to check a credential box with their current employer.