Public Health at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North

Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North's Public Health associate's program charges a premium—graduates carry $30,312 in debt, about 50% more than the national median for this degree. That puts this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less debt. The earnings do outpace national averages, landing graduates at the 75th percentile, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90 means students are starting with nearly a full year's salary in loans.

Within New York, the picture is less distinctive. This program's earnings sit right at the state median, ranking at the 60th percentile among the 13 schools offering this degree. The debt level also matches the state median exactly, suggesting this pricing is typical for New York but steep compared to the rest of the country. The 12% earnings growth to $38,013 by year four is positive, though it doesn't fundamentally change the affordability challenge.

For families considering this program, the calculation hinges on whether the $10,000 debt premium over national norms is justified by outcomes that, while solid, aren't extraordinary. The school serves a predominantly lower-income population (65% receive Pell grants), which makes that debt burden particularly significant. If your child has access to similar programs at SUNY community colleges with lower costs, that comparison is worth making carefully.