Business Administration, Management and Operations at CUNY York College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
York's business program delivers something increasingly rare: a solid degree with minimal debt burden. That $12,925 in median debt ranks in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of business programs leave students with more debt. For families worried about loan repayment, this alone makes York worth considering.
The earnings picture requires some context. At $42,499 in year one, graduates earn slightly below the national median but actually *above* the New York state median of $42,268. Among the 94 New York schools offering business degrees, York ranks in the 60th percentile—better than many private alternatives that cost far more. Yes, top performers like Manhattan University show much higher earnings, but they also typically come with significantly higher debt loads. The 10% earnings growth to $46,713 by year four suggests steady career progression.
The real calculation here is straightforward: you're getting a business degree that performs respectably within New York's competitive market, with debt levels that won't dominate your child's financial life after graduation. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means the entire loan balance equals just over three months of first-year salary—manageable by any standard. For families prioritizing affordability while still wanting a recognized CUNY credential, this program accomplishes both goals without compromise.
Where CUNY York College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY York College graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY York College graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 35th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (94 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY York College | $42,499 | $46,713 | $12,925 | 0.30 |
| Manhattan University | $113,777 | $104,296 | $25,328 | 0.22 |
| Excelsior University | $70,191 | — | $14,737 | 0.21 |
| Clarkson University | $65,887 | $76,141 | $24,757 | 0.38 |
| Syracuse University | $65,009 | $71,365 | $27,000 | 0.42 |
| Yeshiva University | $61,312 | $65,800 | $22,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan University Riverdale | $50,850 | $113,777 | $25,328 |
| Excelsior University Albany | — | $70,191 | $14,737 |
| Clarkson University Potsdam | $57,950 | $65,887 | $24,757 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $65,009 | $27,000 |
| Yeshiva University New York | $49,900 | $61,312 | $22,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY York College, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 143 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.