Business Administration, Management and Operations at Wells College

Wells College graduates in this business program earn $41,360 in their first year—about $4,300 below the national median and slightly under New York's state median of $42,268. While these earnings place graduates in the 40th percentile among New York business programs, it's important to note this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger samples. The debt burden of $26,000 is precisely at the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, which is manageable but not exceptional for a business degree.

The real concern here is the limited earning potential compared to other New York options. Top business programs in the state deliver first-year earnings ranging from $61,000 to over $113,000—dramatically higher than Wells. Even accounting for the small sample size that might skew these numbers, there's no clear advantage to attending Wells over larger state schools or business-focused institutions that likely offer more robust alumni networks and career services in business fields.

For families considering Wells, this decision should hinge on factors beyond the numbers—perhaps the small college experience or specific faculty relationships. The financial case alone doesn't make a compelling argument, particularly if there are lower-cost SUNY alternatives available. If your child is set on Wells for non-financial reasons, the debt load at least won't be crushing, but don't expect this degree to deliver above-average business career outcomes.