Analysis
Empire State University's business program stands out nationally but faces stiff competition within New York. With first-year earnings of $57,225, graduates earn more than 95% of business programs nationwide—a remarkable achievement that puts this program among the elite tier nationally. However, the picture shifts when compared to New York's competitive landscape, where it ranks in the 60th percentile among state business programs.
The financial fundamentals look solid for parents evaluating costs. At $28,710 in median debt, students borrow slightly more than the national average but significantly more than other New York programs (which average $23,000). Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means graduates can reasonably manage their loans, with debt representing about half of their first-year salary. The 5% earnings growth to nearly $60,000 by year four shows steady progression, though not explosive growth.
For families, this program offers strong national positioning at a manageable debt load, making it a sound investment despite not cracking New York's top tier. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and with 35% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a economically diverse student body successfully.
Where Empire State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire State University | $57,225 | $59,995 | +5% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Excelsior University | $53,553 | $72,606 | +36% |
| St Lawrence University | $54,772 | $67,402 | +23% |
| Skidmore College | $54,378 | $65,277 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $57,225 | $59,995 | $28,710 | 0.50 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $77,828 | $115,546 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $65,520 | $63,624 | $14,500 | 0.22 |
 St Lawrence UniversityCanton | $63,870 | $54,772 | $67,402 | $26,113 | 0.48 |
 Skidmore CollegeSaratoga Springs | $65,030 | $54,378 | $65,277 | $20,814 | 0.38 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $53,553 | $72,606 | $23,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Empire State University, approximately 35% 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 468 graduates with reported earnings and 509 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.