Analysis
Excelsior's Health Professions program delivers exceptional outcomes that justify its price point. With first-year earnings of $52,631 rising to $83,502 by year four, graduates out-earn 80% of their peers in New York and 87% nationally—a remarkable margin when the state median sits at just $37,158. That 59% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are either advancing quickly in their fields or transitioning into higher-paying specializations within health professions.
The $31,251 debt figure runs slightly above both state and national medians, but the 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio tells the real story: graduates owe less than seven months of their starting salary. Within a year, they're earning more than most health professions graduates will make four years out. This is particularly noteworthy for an online institution serving working adults—Excelsior appears to be successfully preparing students for competitive positions rather than entry-level roles.
The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the performance advantage is too substantial to dismiss. If your child is a self-directed learner who can thrive in Excelsior's online environment, this program offers a clear path to strong earnings with manageable debt—significantly outperforming traditional New York alternatives like SUNY Cortland or St. John's.
Where Excelsior University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Excelsior 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| St. John's University-New York | $35,973 | $53,575 | +49% |
| State University of New York at Cortland | $39,217 | $51,495 | +31% |
| Long Island University | $31,153 | $49,589 | +59% |
| St. Francis College | $38,342 | $42,483 | +11% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry | $22,106 | $30,546 | $42,352 | $28,000 | 0.92 |
| 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 Excelsior University, approximately 25% 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 66 graduates with reported earnings and 123 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.