Business Administration, Management and Operations at Excelsior University

Excelsior University's business program dramatically outperforms expectations for an Albany-based school, with graduates earning $70,191—that's 66% more than the typical New York business graduate and 54% above the national median. Among 94 business programs across New York, this ranks in the 95th percentile, placing it in the conversation with well-known names like Syracuse and Clarkson but at a fraction of the cost. The $14,737 median debt is less than half what most business students carry nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21 that few programs can match.

The combination of strong earnings and minimal debt suggests Excelsior's non-traditional delivery model—it's primarily an online institution serving working adults—may actually advantage graduates in the job market rather than hinder them. These aren't recent college grads starting from scratch; many are likely advancing existing careers with a completed degree. The moderate sample size does warrant some caution, but the pattern is clear enough to take seriously.

For families concerned about the return on a business degree, this represents one of the best financial propositions in New York. Your student graduates with minimal debt burden while earning more than peers from much pricier programs. That's a rare outcome worth serious consideration, particularly if the flexible format fits your child's circumstances.