Hospitality Administration/Management at Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College's hospitality management associate degree shows first-year earnings of $32,302—well above both New York's state median ($28,789) and the national average—but the small graduating class size (under 30 students) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What's more notable is that graduates here outperform most other New York hospitality programs despite carrying just $12,375 in debt, roughly half the state median of $22,504. That's a tangible advantage for families worried about their child taking on heavy loans.

The earnings picture gets murkier over time, with median income dropping to $29,357 by year four. In hospitality, this often reflects the reality that entry-level management roles don't always translate to immediate career advancement, particularly in smaller markets like Rochester. However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, graduates can realistically manage their payments even if their career path takes time to develop. The nearly 50% Pell Grant population suggests this program serves students who might not have many alternatives.

For anxious parents, the low debt burden matters more here than the uncertain earnings trajectory. Your child isn't gambling with $20,000+ in loans on a hospitality career—they're making a relatively affordable bet that costs less than a year's starting salary to repay. Just remember these numbers represent a small group, so visit campus and ask about actual job placement rates before committing.