Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,953
17th percentile
40th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Russell Sage College's business management program produces graduates earning $37,953 in their first year—significantly below both New York's median ($42,268) and the national average ($45,703). While this ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, it places in just the 17th percentile nationally, meaning 83% of similar programs across the country deliver better first-year outcomes. The gap is stark when compared to top NY programs like Manhattan University ($113,777) or even mid-tier options like Syracuse ($65,009).

The program does show decent earnings growth—20% over four years—bringing graduates to $45,500. However, starting from such a low baseline means even this improvement barely reaches what graduates from stronger programs earn immediately. With $27,000 in debt, the immediate financial pressure is real: new graduates face a debt burden representing 71% of their first year's salary, making loan repayment challenging on entry-level wages.

For families considering this program, the value proposition is weak compared to alternatives within New York. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances—like location constraints or specific institutional fit—exploring other SUNY or private options that deliver stronger earnings outcomes would likely yield better returns on a similar tuition investment. The numbers suggest this program struggles to launch graduates into well-paying business roles.

Where Russell Sage College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Russell Sage College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Russell Sage College$37,953$45,500+20%
Manhattan University$113,777$104,296-8%
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute$47,925$82,861+73%
Marist University$53,766$78,615+46%
Fordham University$58,341$78,039+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (94 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Russell Sage CollegeTroy$36,756$37,953$45,500$27,0000.71
Manhattan UniversityRiverdale$50,850$113,777$104,296$25,3280.22
Excelsior UniversityAlbany$70,191$14,7370.21
Clarkson UniversityPotsdam$57,950$65,887$76,141$24,7570.38
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$65,009$71,365$27,0000.42
Yeshiva UniversityNew York$49,900$61,312$65,800$22,0000.36
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Russell Sage College, approximately 43% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.