Business Administration, Management and Operations at State University of New York at Oswego
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
SUNY Oswego's business management program outperforms 60% of New York business programs—a meaningful advantage in a state where the typical graduate earns just $42,268. With first-year earnings of $45,569 and modest debt of $24,006, graduates here are clearing the state median by over $3,000 while borrowing less than the New York average. The 18% earnings growth to nearly $54,000 by year four suggests graduates are finding stable career progression, not just entry-level jobs.
The value proposition strengthens when you consider the alternatives. While elite private universities like Syracuse push starting salaries above $65,000, they often come with significantly higher debt loads and sticker prices. SUNY Oswego delivers solid middle-class outcomes at a public university price point, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that graduates can reasonably manage. The program performs right at the national median despite New York's higher cost of living, which speaks to consistent quality.
For families seeking a straightforward path to business careers without gambling on prestige or taking on crushing debt, this program does exactly what a state university should: it produces employable graduates at an affordable price. The 80% admission rate means it's accessible, and the 39% Pell Grant population suggests the school serves students who need education to be a genuine economic ladder, not just a credential.
Where State University of New York at Oswego Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How State University of New York at Oswego graduates compare to all programs nationally
State University of New York at Oswego graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State University of New York at Oswego | $45,569 | $53,870 | $24,006 | 0.53 |
| Manhattan University | $113,777 | $104,296 | $25,328 | 0.22 |
| Excelsior University | $70,191 | — | $14,737 | 0.21 |
| Clarkson University | $65,887 | $76,141 | $24,757 | 0.38 |
| Syracuse University | $65,009 | $71,365 | $27,000 | 0.42 |
| Yeshiva University | $61,312 | $65,800 | $22,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan University Riverdale | $50,850 | $113,777 | $25,328 |
| Excelsior University Albany | — | $70,191 | $14,737 |
| Clarkson University Potsdam | $57,950 | $65,887 | $24,757 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $65,009 | $27,000 |
| Yeshiva University New York | $49,900 | $61,312 | $22,000 |
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 State University of New York at Oswego, approximately 39% 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 245 graduates with reported earnings and 265 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.