Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North

With only 30 or fewer graduates in this sample, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. That said, the pattern here is worth noting: $22,570 first-year earnings places this program exactly at New York's median for business operations certificates, though it trails the national benchmark by about $2,500. The debt load of $14,012 is higher than typical for this credential nationally, but the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—students would dedicate roughly 62% of their first year's salary to paying off loans if they tackled them aggressively.

What's particularly interesting is that this program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (65%), suggesting it's reaching students who need access to quick workforce credentials. The question is whether $22,570 provides enough earning power to justify the investment. Compared to the top-performing program in the state (Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES at $31,400), there's clearly a gap, though that school may serve a different labor market.

For families considering this certificate, the small sample size should give pause—outcomes could vary significantly year to year. If your student needs a fast credential and plans to stay in the Central New York job market, this could work as a stepping stone. Just know they're entering at relatively modest wages, and they should have a clear plan for career progression beyond entry-level support roles.