Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch's entrepreneurship program carries just $8,500 in debt—dramatically lower than the $24,125 national median and among the best debt burdens in the country at the 95th percentile. That minimal borrowing matters when first-year earnings based on comparable New York programs sit around $37,753, below the national median of $45,265 but typical for the state. More importantly, earnings jump to $57,375 by year four, suggesting the degree creates a solid foundation even if the initial entry point feels modest.

The real question is whether this program's trajectory justifies the investment compared to alternatives. At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, graduates face manageable repayment regardless of their entrepreneurial path—whether launching a venture, joining a startup, or taking a corporate role first. Baruch's location in Manhattan and 55% Pell grant population suggest this degree serves students building careers with minimal financial burden rather than chasing high initial salaries. The four-year earnings figure hints at stronger mid-career prospects than the first-year estimate might imply.

For families weighing this program, the exceptionally low debt makes it a defensible choice even with below-national starting pay. The real value depends on whether your student will leverage Baruch's New York network and whether the entrepreneurial skills translate to stable income growth—something the year-four data suggests is achievable, though individual results will vary widely in this field.