Business Administration, Management and Operations at Fulton-Montgomery Community College

The $15,900 first-year earnings figure is alarmingly low—ranking this program in the 5th percentile nationally and 10th percentile statewide—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means this could reflect a handful of students working part-time while continuing their education rather than the program's true value. The 141% earnings jump to $38,372 by year four suggests many graduates do eventually find decent-paying work, landing above both the national and state medians at that point. Still, the four-year trajectory puts them roughly even with nearby Hudson Valley Community College's first-year outcomes.

The $16,750 debt load is relatively modest and actually below New York's state median for business associate degrees. With fourth-year earnings hitting $38,372, the financial picture becomes manageable—though that first year looks rough on paper. The real question is whether that initial earnings dip represents delayed workforce entry (students transferring to four-year programs or working part-time initially) or actual post-graduation struggles.

Given the tiny sample size, treat these numbers as a yellow flag rather than a red light. If your child plans to work full-time immediately after graduation, the first-year earnings should concern you. But if they're using this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or will be working part-time initially, the eventual $38,000+ earnings and modest debt suggest the program can work—just don't expect strong immediate returns.