Business Administration, Management and Operations at Stony Brook University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Stony Brook's business program stands out for its exceptional debt management and strong earnings trajectory, even if starting salaries lag initially. With graduates carrying just $19,500 in debt—significantly below both the national ($26,000) and New York state ($25,000) medians—this program offers one of the most affordable business degrees you'll find.
The earnings picture tells an encouraging story of growth. While first-year salaries of $43,329 fall slightly below the national average, they jump 45% to $62,920 by year four. Among New York's 94 business programs, Stony Brook ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it comfortably in the upper tier of state options. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 is excellent, meaning graduates can realistically manage their loans without financial strain.
For anxious parents, this represents a smart financial choice: your child gets a respected SUNY education with strong earning potential and minimal debt burden. While Stony Brook won't match the elite private schools' immediate earning power, the combination of low debt and solid growth creates a financially sensible path into business careers. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these outcomes are reliable, not statistical flukes.
Where Stony Brook University 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 Stony Brook University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Stony Brook University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 39th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook University | $43,329 | $62,920 | $19,500 | 0.45 |
| 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 Stony Brook University, approximately 38% 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 339 graduates with reported earnings and 373 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.