Analysis
At less than $23,000 in first-year earnings, New York Institute of Technology's hospitality program produces outcomes that fall dramatically short of what other New York schools deliver. While the 25th state percentile placement sounds middling, look at what that means in practice: Cornell hospitality grads earn $78,000, and even SUNY Plattsburgh's program yields $39,000—nearly double what NYIT graduates report. The national picture is equally concerning, with NYIT landing in just the 5th percentile nationwide.
The debt load of $21,750 isn't outrageous by itself, but paired with earnings barely above minimum wage, it creates real financial stress. That 0.95 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, making even basic loan payments difficult on a hospitality worker's schedule. For context, New York's median for this degree is $31,629—37% higher than NYIT delivers.
The small sample size here matters—these numbers could shift with more data. But given NYIT's 78% admission rate and the availability of stronger hospitality programs throughout New York (including more affordable SUNY options), it's hard to justify this choice. If your child is serious about hospitality management, programs like SUNY Plattsburgh or even the Culinary Institute offer vastly better earning potential for similar or lower debt.
Where New York Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How New York Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New York Institute of TechnologyOld Westbury | $44,360 | $22,974 | — | $21,750 | 0.95 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $77,803 | $81,947 | $13,987 | 0.18 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $40,637 | $57,687 | $19,000 | 0.47 |
 State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh | $8,881 | $39,099 | $33,807 | $21,500 | 0.55 |
 Culinary Institute of AmericaHyde Park | $38,410 | $35,865 | $42,904 | $26,778 | 0.75 |
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $35,449 | $34,543 | $26,689 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $34,675 | — | $23,920 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Lodging Managers
Food Service Managers
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Gambling Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa 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 New York Institute of Technology, approximately 44% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.