Analysis
Marist's business program significantly outperforms both national and state expectations, with graduates earning 18% more than the typical business major nationally and 86% more than the New York state median of $42,268. At the 80th percentile among New York business programs, this puts Marist in elite company, though still below the very top tier led by Manhattan University's $113,777 median.
The financial picture looks particularly attractive with strong earnings growth—graduates see their income jump 46% from $53,766 to $78,615 between years one and four. The $26,000 debt load is perfectly average nationally, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that gets even better as salaries rise. This combination of above-average outcomes with typical debt levels delivers genuine value.
For an anxious parent, this represents a solid investment in their child's future. Marist's business graduates consistently out-earn their peers across both New York and the nation, while taking on standard debt levels. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these aren't statistical flukes—this program reliably produces strong financial outcomes that justify the investment.
Where Marist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Marist 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marist University | $53,766 | $78,615 | +46% |
| Manhattan University | $113,777 | $104,296 | -8% |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $47,925 | $82,861 | +73% |
| Fordham University | $58,341 | $78,039 | +34% |
| Clarkson University | $65,887 | $76,141 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (94 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $53,766 | $78,615 | $26,000 | 0.48 |
 Manhattan UniversityRiverdale | $50,850 | $113,777 | $104,296 | $25,328 | 0.22 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $70,191 | — | $14,737 | 0.21 |
 Clarkson UniversityPotsdam | $57,950 | $65,887 | $76,141 | $24,757 | 0.38 |
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $65,009 | $71,365 | $27,000 | 0.42 |
 Yeshiva UniversityNew York | $49,900 | $61,312 | $65,800 | $22,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Marist University, approximately 15% 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 347 graduates with reported earnings and 355 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.