Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mercy University

Mercy University's business program starts below average but demonstrates something valuable: strong earnings momentum. Graduates begin at $42,211—slightly below both the national and New York medians—but see their salaries jump 35% to $56,985 by year four. That growth trajectory matters more than many parents realize, especially when combined with manageable $26,000 debt.

The 40th percentile ranking among New York business programs tells part of the story, but not all of it. While elite schools like Manhattan University ($113,777) and Syracuse ($65,009) produce higher earners, they often come with significantly steeper price tags. Mercy serves a different population—nearly half its students receive Pell grants—and delivers a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that keeps monthly loan payments reasonable from day one.

The real question is whether this trajectory continues. Four years out, Mercy graduates still lag the national median by about $11,000, but they've closed much of the initial gap. For students seeking an affordable entry into business careers with room for growth, this represents a practical path. Just understand you're not buying immediate high earnings—you're investing in a foundation that improves significantly with experience.