Analysis
Similar health professions programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $37,000 against an estimated $27,000 in debt—a ratio that's manageable but leaves little room for error in a high cost-of-living area like Buffalo. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings figure sits within reasonable bounds, but it's worth noting that peer programs in the state show significant variation, with some graduates earning over $50,000 while others start in the low $30,000s. Without knowing which specific health concentration D'Youville's program emphasizes, it's difficult to predict where graduates will land within that range.
The concern here isn't catastrophic debt but rather modest earnings in an expensive region. First-year income of $37,000 translates to roughly $2,400 monthly after taxes—tight when average Buffalo rents run $1,200-$1,500 and student loan payments begin. Programs like Excelsior and SUNY Cortland demonstrate that substantially higher earnings are possible in New York's health professions sector, though those outcomes may reflect different specializations or credential pathways.
Before committing, pin down exactly which health career this bachelor's prepares students for and what those professionals typically earn regionally. The estimated figures suggest viability, but the wide earnings spread among comparable New York programs means the specific concentration matters enormously. If this leads to a well-defined healthcare role with clear demand in Western New York, the investment works; if it's a general degree requiring further credentialing, factor those additional costs into your calculation.
Where D'Youville University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 D'Youville UniversityBuffalo | $33,560 | $37,158* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $52,631* | $83,502 | $31,251* | 0.59 |
 State University of New York at CortlandCortland | $8,815 | $39,217* | $51,495 | $26,995* | 0.69 |
 St. Francis CollegeBrooklyn | $27,570 | $38,342* | $42,483 | $25,500* | 0.67 |
 St. John's University-New YorkQueens | $50,110 | $35,973* | $53,575 | $27,000* | 0.75 |
 Long Island UniversityBrookville | $41,642 | $31,153* | $49,589 | $25,000* | 0.80 |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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 D'Youville University, approximately 36% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.