Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,805
41st percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$21,500
17% below national median

Analysis

The University at Buffalo's business program delivers solid value despite modest starting salaries. While graduates begin earning $43,805β€”slightly below the national averageβ€”they see impressive 34% earnings growth by year four, reaching $58,621. More importantly, the program ranks in the 60th percentile among New York business programs, meaning it outperforms most in-state competitors while keeping debt manageable at $21,500.

The debt picture is particularly attractive compared to both national and state benchmarks. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within two years of starting salary. The program costs about $3,500 less than the typical New York business program and $4,500 less than the national average, making it one of the more affordable options in an expensive state.

While UB won't deliver the elite outcomes of Manhattan University or Syracuse, it provides a practical path to business careers without crushing debt. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop valuable skills that employers increasingly reward. For families seeking solid returns on their education investment in New York, this program offers a compelling middle ground between cost and career prospects.

Where University at Buffalo Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University at Buffalo graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University at Buffalo$43,805$58,621+34%
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University at BuffaloBuffalo$10,782$43,805$58,621$21,5000.49
Manhattan UniversityRiverdale$50,850$113,777$104,296$25,3280.22
Excelsior UniversityAlbanyβ€”$70,191β€”$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 Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$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 University at Buffalo, approximately 32% 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 728 graduates with reported earnings and 749 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.