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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in New York

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

SUNY Maritime College graduates in Business Administration earn $86,129 annually, nearly triple the $28,598 earned by Jamestown Business College alumni. This dramatic earnings gap reflects New York's stratified job market, where Wall Street finance roles demand premium skills while entry-level positions cluster around $30,000. The state's 15 featured programs span from CUNY Brooklyn's $2,943 net cost to Monroe College's $10,376, yet location matters enormously for business careers. Manhattan's financial district houses major banks, hedge funds, and Fortune 500 headquarters that actively recruit from local programs. CUNY schools dominate the value rankings, with Baruch College producing $46,820 earners at just $2,978 net cost. The city's media conglomerates, tech startups, and healthcare systems create varied management opportunities, though living costs can consume entry-level salaries. TAP grants help in-state students access these programs, making public options particularly attractive for debt-conscious learners targeting New York's competitive business market.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $33,139
Net Price Range
$41,713
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $46,820 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $2,943 $38,230 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,482 $40,037 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,486 $36,211 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
5 $5,881 $43,798 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
6 $4,734 $29,290 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
7 $9,173 $43,575 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
8 $9,900 $42,363 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
9 $21,781 $86,129 $8,540 74.9% 80.3%
10 $7,732 $28,598 $12,945 60.5% 87.4%
11 $10,376 $37,208 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
12 $11,669 $38,289 $24,705 32.1% 95.5%
13 $14,187 $42,712 $12,525 70.6%
14 $13,882 $37,503 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
15 $14,229 $36,873 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
16 $18,244 $47,260 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
17 $26,881 $67,660 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
18 $14,295 $35,891 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
19 $15,770 $39,489 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
20 $15,844 $39,539 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
21 $16,547 $41,007 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
22 $14,117 $34,963 $19,126 27.5%
23 $17,622 $43,290 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
24 $21,364 $52,107 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
25 $15,001 $36,488 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
26 $19,585 $47,260 $33,560 56.7% 84.0%
27 $14,642 $34,963 $15,891 18.3%
28 $15,644 $36,560 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
29 $18,021 $41,565 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
30 $18,430 $42,495 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
31 $17,231 $38,787 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
32 $18,481 $40,467 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
33 $21,547 $45,175 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
34 $19,920 $41,565 $42,740 57.1% 88.9%
35 $18,486 $38,289 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
36 $18,322 $37,208 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
37 $33,139 $65,821 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
38 $14,488 $28,598 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
39 $18,740 $36,848 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
40 $20,470 $40,065 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
41 $18,193 $35,327 $15,450 62.9% 30.0%
42 $17,393 $32,391 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
43 $21,614 $40,140 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
44 $20,709 $38,289 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
45 $21,148 $38,289 $17,290 64.7% 77.0%
46 $27,733 $49,019 $52,000 68.1% 68.5%
47 $21,344 $36,992 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
48 $31,955 $55,061 $57,950 73.6% 78.4%
49 $23,901 $40,017 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
50 $23,736 $39,153 $41,370 65.7% 88.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between New York business programs?

SUNY Maritime graduates earn $86,129 while Jamestown Business College alumni make $28,598, a $57,531 difference. Maritime's specialized focus on logistics and marine business serves high-paying shipping and port management roles. Geographic location also matters, as New York City programs connect students to Wall Street finance positions that command premium salaries. Rural programs like Jamestown serve smaller markets with correspondingly lower compensation levels.

How do CUNY schools achieve such low net costs for business degrees?

CUNY Brooklyn College charges just $2,943 net cost while maintaining reasonable graduation rates around 57%. State funding, TAP grants, and federal aid combine to make these programs accessible to working-class students. The system's urban locations also allow students to work part-time in business roles while studying. However, students must balance affordability against potentially lower earnings compared to specialized programs like Maritime College.

Is debt load manageable for New York business administration graduates?

Most CUNY programs generate modest debt loads under $15,000, while private options like Monroe College average $28,591. Baruch College graduates carry just $12,000 debt but earn $46,820, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. However, The College of Westchester saddles students with $37,225 debt for $38,289 earnings. Public programs clearly offer better financial outcomes for most students entering New York's competitive job market.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in New York business schools?

Not necessarily, as the data reveals surprising patterns across price points. SUNY Maritime achieves 75% graduation rates despite higher costs, while expensive Monroe College manages only 58%. CUNY Medgar Evers shows concerning 22% completion despite moderate $5,881 net cost. Baruch College demonstrates that affordability and academic success can coexist with 72% graduation rates at under $3,000 net cost.

Where do New York business graduates find the best career opportunities?

Manhattan's financial district offers the highest-paying roles, explaining why Baruch and other NYC-based programs produce stronger earnings outcomes. The city's media companies, tech startups, and healthcare systems create management positions across salary ranges. Long Island and upstate markets provide more affordable living but typically offer lower compensation. Maritime College's specialized logistics focus taps into New York's massive port and shipping infrastructure for premium salaries.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.