Location: Liverpool, NY
Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,400
91st percentile
80th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$6,715
29% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.21 ManageableSample: 42 graduates

Analysis

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES manages to outperform 80% of New York programs in this field—a significant achievement given that its graduates earn about $8,800 more annually than the state median of $22,570. At $31,400 in first-year earnings, it also beats the national median by $6,300, placing in the 91st percentile nationwide. The debt burden of $6,715 is notably light, half the state average and well below the national median, making this one of the more affordable pathways into business support roles.

The earnings plateau between years one and four merits consideration—this appears to be a field where compensation stabilizes quickly rather than growing substantially over time. However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, graduates can clear their debt burden relatively quickly even without salary growth. The 60% Pell grant population suggests the program serves primarily students for whom minimizing debt is critical.

For families seeking practical business skills training without the cost and time commitment of a four-year degree, this certificate delivers solid value. The combination of above-average starting wages, minimal debt, and strong regional placement makes it a sensible choice for students ready to enter the workforce quickly, though they should understand they're likely earning close to their ceiling from day one.

Where Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business operations support and assistant services certificate's programs nationally

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCESOther business operations support and assistant services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES graduates compare to all programs nationally

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES earns $31k — 91th percentile among business operations support and assistant services certificate programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES$31,400$30,931-1%
Central Coast College$34,301$40,657+19%
Houston Community College$37,482$35,364-6%
Rasmussen University-Florida$32,345$33,600+4%
Metropolitan Learning Institute$21,014$21,776+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (38 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCESLiverpool—$31,400$30,931$6,7150.21
Bryant & Stratton College-AlbanyAlbany$18,892$22,570—$14,0120.62
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse NorthLiverpool$19,310$22,570—$14,0120.62
Bryant & Stratton College-BuffaloBuffalo$19,126$22,570—$14,0120.62
Bryant & Stratton College-OnlineOrchard Park$15,891$22,570—$14,0120.62
Bryant & Stratton College-GreeceRochester$19,593$22,570———
National Median—$25,094—$9,5000.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business operations support and assistant services graduates

Procurement Clerks

Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

$46,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Correspondence Clerks

Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

File Clerks

File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Order Clerks

Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Office Clerks, General

Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.

$43,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Customer Service Representatives

Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

$42,830/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Receptionists and Information Clerks

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

$37,230/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES, approximately 60% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.