Business Administration, Management and Operations at Molloy University

Molloy's business program lands at the 25th percentile among New York business schools—meaning 75% of programs in the state produce higher earnings. That first-year salary of $35,339 trails both the state median ($42,268) and national average ($45,703) by roughly $7,000-$10,000. While the debt load of $27,000 sits near typical levels, when you're earning this little out of the gate, that 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio still means nearly a year's salary going to loans.

The 51% earnings jump to $53,288 by year four offers some relief, bringing graduates closer to what many business majors start at elsewhere. But even at that point, they're barely outpacing the $52,657 that top-quartile programs nationally deliver immediately. The gap with elite New York options is stark—Manhattan University business grads earn $113,777, more than double Molloy's four-year mark.

For parents paying private school tuition at Molloy, this creates a tough equation. Your child would start behind most New York business graduates and need years to catch up to where others begin. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose this specific program—location, campus culture, or family ties—the numbers suggest looking at SUNY business options or other private schools with stronger placement outcomes. The degree will get your child employed, but not competitively positioned in New York's job market.