Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mildred Elley-New York Campus

With median earnings under $29,000 and student debt nearly matching that first-year salary, Mildred Elley's business administration program struggles to deliver meaningful economic returns. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 isn't catastrophic, it's problematic for an associate degree that should be a stepping stone to better opportunities. The real concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do immediately after graduation, suggesting limited career advancement.

The state comparison offers little comfort. This program sits at the 40th percentile among New York business programs—below average in a state where community colleges like Hudson Valley and Monroe consistently produce graduates earning $36,000-$38,000. More troubling is that graduates here are taking on $25,000 in debt while SUNY community colleges in the same state typically saddle students with around $11,000. That's an extra $14,000 in loans for outcomes that lag behind cheaper alternatives.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift, but with three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, this population can't afford an uncertain bet. For families considering this program, recognize that other New York schools deliver significantly better earnings potential at roughly half the debt load. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal circumstances, community college alternatives represent a safer investment.