Business Administration, Management and Operations at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

A business degree financed with $20,000 in debt might seem reasonable at first glance, but the estimated first-year earnings of $42,000—drawn from comparable New York programs—place this squarely at the state median while falling short of the national average of $46,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 is manageable, suggesting graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year of belt-tightening, but that calculation assumes living costs in one of America's most expensive metros won't consume that salary first.

What's striking is the gap between this program and top performers in New York. Similar business degrees at Manhattan University or Excelsior produce first-year earnings exceeding $70,000—nearly double what peer programs suggest for CUNY's Graduate School. That difference isn't trivial when you're navigating New York City rents and student loan payments simultaneously. The 39% admission rate and substantial Pell grant enrollment (38%) indicate this serves working- and middle-class students who may be especially sensitive to modest earnings outcomes.

The core question: does a middle-of-the-road business degree—one that tracks exactly with state averages based on peer data—provide enough earning power to justify even moderate debt in New York's economy? For families counting on business school to unlock upward mobility, these estimates suggest limited differentiation from what you'd find across dozens of other New York programs. Consider whether your student has access to the networking and internship opportunities that often matter more than the credential itself in business careers.