Business Administration, Management and Operations at Iona University

Iona's business program starts graduates at $40,156—below both the national and New York state medians for this degree. While that 40th percentile ranking among New York business programs might sound middle-of-the-road, it means this degree trails well behind what students could earn at many other schools in the state. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio, but the initial earnings gap is significant when nearby programs like Manhattan University and Syracuse place graduates at substantially higher starting salaries.

The 45% earnings growth to $58,057 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates do see meaningful salary progression. This trajectory suggests the degree provides skills that become more valuable with experience. However, even after four years, earnings remain modest compared to top New York business programs. For families paying out-of-state tuition or taking on additional private loans beyond the $27,000 median, the return becomes increasingly questionable.

The value equation here depends heavily on net cost. If your child can attend affordably—perhaps with merit aid or commuting from home—the manageable debt and steady earnings growth make this workable. But families should calculate the total cost carefully and compare financial aid packages from other New York business schools where graduates start $10,000-15,000 higher.