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Best Value Human Resources Management and Services Colleges in New York

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

Cornell University graduates in Human Resources Management earn $69,338 annually, nearly double the $35,060 earned by SUNY Old Westbury graduates, highlighting the stark earnings gap across New York's HR programs. This difference becomes more complex when considering costs: Old Westbury's $9,900 net price creates a fundamentally different value proposition than Cornell's $32,337. New York's position as headquarters for major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Verizon, and IBM creates substantial demand for HR professionals who understand complex labor markets and regulatory environments. The state's 20 programs span from highly selective institutions with 7% acceptance rates to open-access colleges accepting 99% of applicants. Public institutions dominate the affordable tier, with five SUNY schools offering net prices below $18,000. Meanwhile, private colleges like The New School reach $55,359 in net costs. TAP grants help in-state students navigate these expenses, though the high cost of living in New York City metro areas affects post-graduation purchasing power regardless of salary levels.
22
Programs
$3,830 – $55,359
Net Price Range
$42,139
Avg. Program Earnings
59.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Human Resources Management and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,900 $35,060 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
2 $17,231 $39,832 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
3 $32,337 $69,338 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
4 $14,488 $29,956 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
5 $31,046 $47,846 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
6 $28,150 $40,017 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
7 $23,461 $32,925 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
8 $23,819 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
9 $14,642 $15,891 18.3%
10 $26,556 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
11 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
12 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
13 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
14 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
15 $29,694 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
16 $55,359 $56,386 71.2% 57.2%
17 $26,881 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
18 $21,547 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
19 $21,148 $17,290 64.7% 77.0%
20 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
21 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
22 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $39,382 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying HR programs?

Cornell University graduates earn $69,338 compared to $29,956 at SUNY Alfred, reflecting differences in alumni networks, employer recruitment patterns, and regional job markets. Cornell's Ivy League status opens doors to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters concentrated in Manhattan and Westchester County. Technical colleges like Alfred typically serve local and regional employers with different compensation structures. The 95.1% graduation rate at Cornell versus 52.7% at Alfred also indicates different student preparation levels and career trajectories.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for HR program value?

Public SUNY schools offer net prices between $9,900 and $17,387, while private institutions range from $17,622 to $55,359. SUNY Oswego provides solid middle-ground value with $17,231 net cost and $39,832 earnings. Private colleges like St. John Fisher deliver higher graduation rates at 74.4% compared to most SUNY schools in the 46-60% range. However, the lower debt burden at public institutions often creates better long-term financial outcomes for graduates entering HR careers.

Is the high cost of living in New York worth it for HR graduates?

New York's concentration of corporate headquarters means higher absolute salaries, but living costs significantly impact take-home value. A $40,000 salary in Rochester or Albany provides more purchasing power than the same amount in Manhattan. The state's finance, media, and healthcare industries offer advancement opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Graduates from programs like Pace University, located in Manhattan, often access higher-paying roles that justify the $31,046 net cost despite urban living expenses.

What makes some New York HR programs more selective than others?

Cornell accepts just 7.47% of applicants while Roberts Wesleyan accepts 99.5%, reflecting different institutional missions and student markets. Highly selective programs typically offer stronger alumni networks and corporate recruiting relationships. However, less selective schools like SUNY Old Westbury still produce graduates earning $35,060, proving that admission difficulty doesn't always correlate with career outcomes. The 92.1% acceptance rate at Old Westbury provides access for students who might otherwise struggle to enter HR programs.

Where do the best graduation rates occur among New York HR programs?

Cornell leads with a 95.1% graduation rate, followed by St. John Fisher at 74.4% and The New School at 71.2%. These rates often correlate with higher net prices and more selective admissions. Public institutions show more variation, with SUNY Oswego achieving 60.4% while Empire State University manages only 29.3%. Lower completion rates at some schools reflect part-time student populations and different educational delivery models rather than program quality alone.

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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.