Business Administration, Management and Operations at Excelsior University

Excelsior University's online business associate program delivers something rare: top-tier outcomes from a non-traditional format. At $55,602 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 87% more than the typical New York business associate holder and nearly $17,000 more than even the state's best-performing community colleges. This places the program in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide—remarkable for a degree level that typically leads to modest entry-level positions.

The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $9,875, graduates owe roughly 20% less than state averages and carry a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18, meaning the typical borrower could pay off their loans with about two months' salary. This combination of high earnings and manageable debt is unusual in online education, where flexibility sometimes comes at the cost of employment outcomes.

The 6% earnings dip by year four warrants attention—it could reflect career transitions or job instability—but even at $52,459, graduates still out-earn their peers substantially. For working adults seeking career advancement without the time commitment of a four-year degree, this program offers a clear return on investment. The moderate sample size suggests these results are reasonably stable, though families should verify the program aligns with their specific career goals.