Hospitality Administration/Management at Niagara University

Niagara University's hospitality program sits in an interesting spot—it performs better than most New York competitors (60th percentile statewide) but lags behind the national field. With first-year earnings of $31,790, graduates here actually outpace the state median of $31,629, though they trail the national median by about $3,000. The modest debt load of $27,000 looks manageable compared to many programs, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that shouldn't create crushing payment burdens.

The real question is whether the gap matters to your family. Within New York's hospitality market—where many graduates will likely work—this program holds its own against local alternatives outside the obvious outliers like Cornell. Earnings do grow 18% by year four, reaching $37,345, which suggests career progression rather than a dead-end starting point. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers, so treat them as directional rather than definitive.

For families prioritizing staying in New York's hospitality industry at a reasonable price point, this program makes sense. The combination of below-average debt and above-median local earnings creates a workable financial foundation. Just understand you're trading potential earning power for predictability—Cornell grads start at twice this salary, but you're also paying far less to get here.