Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A near $33,000 debt load for an associate's degree in business—estimated from similar career schools nationally—immediately raises concerns when set against first-year earnings that peer programs in Pennsylvania suggest hover around $36,000. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90, roughly triple what business associate's degree holders typically carry nationally ($13,437 median). For context, Pennsylvania community colleges like Harrisburg Area and Montgomery County produce graduates earning in the same $36,000 range but at much lower debt levels.
The earnings themselves aren't the problem. Based on Pennsylvania's business associate programs, $36,000 is right at the state median, and several community colleges produce comparable outcomes. What makes this investment questionable is the price tag. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched, making a debt burden 2.5 times the state median particularly risky.
Before committing, get the actual numbers from YTI's admissions office—ask specifically about total program cost and typical graduate debt for this program. If the real debt load approaches these estimates, community colleges offering the same credential at a fraction of the cost represent a clearer path to the same entry-level business positions.
Where YTI Career Institute-York Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $36,274* | — | $32,810* | — | |
| $5,215 | $47,276* | $41,038 | $11,500* | 0.24 | |
| $13,920 | $44,154* | $47,516 | $32,810* | 0.74 | |
| $6,450 | $38,515* | $34,401 | $10,750* | 0.28 | |
| $7,373 | $36,708* | $39,256 | $19,976* | 0.54 | |
| $6,270 | $36,274* | $50,580 | $11,000* | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591* | — | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 YTI Career Institute-York, approximately 65% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.