Science Technologies/Technicians at Excelsior University

Excelsior University's online Science Technologies program punches well above its weight on the metrics that matter most. With just $10,229 in median debt and $71,144 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt load they could theoretically pay off in less than two months of work—one of the lowest burdens you'll find in any bachelor's program. That 0.14 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with higher debt.

The earnings picture deserves context, though. While $71,144 lands this program at the 95th percentile nationally for Science Technologies degrees, there are only seven schools offering this particular bachelor's program across the country, making national comparisons less meaningful. Excelsior is the sole provider in New York, so state rankings don't add much insight either. What matters more: these earnings substantially exceed what many traditional STEM support roles pay, and graduates achieve them with minimal debt exposure.

For a parent weighing online education options, this represents genuine value—particularly if your child is already working in a technical field and needs credentials to advance. The program delivers professional-level income without the financial anchor that comes with most four-year degrees. Just understand you're evaluating a niche credential with limited comparison points, not a mainstream program with decades of track record.