Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Excelsior University

Based on similar IT administration programs in New York, Excelsior graduates might expect around $49,000 in first-year earnings—considerably below the national median of $58,000 for this degree. The estimated $23,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the real concern is where those earnings sit compared to peer programs. Rochester Institute of Technology and Mercy University graduates earn substantially more with the same credential, suggesting that Excelsior's online model or employer perception may limit immediate earning potential in the competitive New York tech market.

The gap is particularly striking given that this is a bachelor's degree in a high-demand field. While IT administration jobs are plentiful, first-year earnings at the state median barely outpace what some associate degree holders achieve in related fields. For a family investing in a four-year degree, this raises questions about whether Excelsior provides the networking, internship access, or credentialing that employers value most. The moderate debt helps, but it doesn't change the fact that comparable programs are producing graduates who earn $5,000 to $40,000 more right out of the gate.

If your child can gain admission to RIT, SUNY Polytechnic, or even Pace, the earnings differential likely justifies any additional cost or effort. If Excelsior is the accessible option due to work schedules or transfer credits, understand that you're trading convenience for starting salary—a calculation that might work if the degree unlocks promotions in an existing job rather than launching a new career.