Rankings / MBA
Best MBA Programs in New York
- 38
- Schools
- $70,695
- Avg. Earnings
- 69%
- Avg. Graduation
- $25,117
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,915
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 38 programs run from $52,055 to $104,043, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Binghamton University delivers the most for the money: roughly $80,596 in median earnings against $15,000 a year in tuition, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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SUNY Old Westbury is the lowest-cost program here at $11,282 a year in tuition.
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Cornell University graduates 95% of its students, versus a 69% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Cornell University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($75,971 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Cornell University ($104,043), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- SUNY Old Westbury costs $11,282 a year and New York University costs $89,524. Yet their graduates earn $58,526 and $82,509, nowhere near the $78,242 price gap.
- On value, Binghamton University beats Cornell University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the tuition.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the programs that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these programs, begin with Binghamton University and Cornell University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $70K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation.
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #1 overall | $75,971 ▲ +7% vs avg | $3,033 | 72% | 86 |
| 2 Cornell University #2 overall | $104,043 ▲ +47% vs avg | $28,690 | 95% | 84 |
| 3 Binghamton University #3 overall | $80,596 ▲ +14% vs avg | $21,620 | 83% | 77 |
| $95,951 ▲ +36% vs avg | $22,367 | 70% | 77 | |
| $82,509 ▲ +17% vs avg | $37,050 | 88% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best MBA Programs in New York
This analysis ranks 38 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $70,695 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 69% and an average net price of $25,117.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — Net Price: $3,033 | Graduation Rate: 72%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Cornell University — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Cornell University — Median alumni earnings: $104,043
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$69,560
Median earnings (10yr)
69%
Median graduation rate
$22,787
Median net price
3.1%
Avg. mobility rate
Business and MBA programs sell acceleration: faster paths into management, bigger networks, and a salary step-change. The return is famously dispersed, though. A handful of programs deliver enormous ROI through placement and alumni networks, while many barely clear the cost of attendance. Management education is less a single product than a wide spectrum of outcomes.
Start with the medians across these 38 programs. Graduates earn a median of $69,560 ten years after enrollment, or about $21,560 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 69%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $22,787 a year with about $23,125 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 31% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 3.1%.
What we’re seeing: value concentrates where networks and employer pipelines are strongest, and ROI varies more here than in almost any other field. Median earnings reach $69,560 ten years after enrollment, with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College at the top of the list. The spread between the best programs and the median is the real story of an MBA.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #1 with a 86/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (73/100). Graduates earn a median $75,971 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,033 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Cornell University lands at #2 with a 84/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (72/100). Graduates earn a median $104,043 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,690 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Binghamton University lands at #3 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $80,596 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,620 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
SUNY Maritime College lands at #4 with a 77/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $95,951 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,367 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
New York University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $82,509 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,050 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Rochester lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $79,042 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,278 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Plattsburgh, NY · 78% accepted · $17,156 net
Why it ranks #7
State University of New York at Plattsburgh lands at #7 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $56,403 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,156 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
SUNY College at Geneseo lands at #8 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $67,316 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,211 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
SUNY Old Westbury lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,526 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Niagara University lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,196 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Yeshiva University lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $71,353 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $49,965 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
New Paltz, NY · 62% accepted · $18,809 net
Why it ranks #12
State University of New York at New Paltz lands at #12 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $58,073 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Canisius University lands at #13 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $60,681 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,940 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Fordham University lands at #14 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $85,569 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $44,338 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute lands at #15 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $102,051 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,228 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Le Moyne College lands at #16 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $62,731 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,277 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Wagner College lands at #17 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $74,360 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,241 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
SUNY Oneonta lands at #18 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $60,386 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,158 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Pace University lands at #19 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $70,378 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,892 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Iona University lands at #20 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $73,595 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,188 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Siena University lands at #21 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $76,079 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,733 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Marist University lands at #22 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $77,819 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,544 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Clarkson University lands at #23 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $89,696 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,305 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
St Bonaventure University lands at #24 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $57,214 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,074 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Mercy University lands at #25 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,055 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,072 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Syracuse University lands at #26 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $79,164 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,793 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
SUNY Brockport lands at #27 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $54,496 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,353 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Stony Brook University lands at #28 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $74,502 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,784 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Hofstra University lands at #29 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $69,039 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,176 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Roberts Wesleyan University lands at #30 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $55,031 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,130 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Daemen University lands at #31 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $61,808 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,693 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
New York Institute of Technology lands at #32 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $70,080 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,443 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Utica University lands at #33 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,277 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,108 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
SUNY Polytechnic Institute lands at #34 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $64,355 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,164 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Adelphi University lands at #35 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $75,482 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,783 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Alfred University lands at #36 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $54,897 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,620 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Mount Saint Mary College lands at #37 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $67,705 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,522 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
University at Albany lands at #38 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $67,979 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,167 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 38 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →Choosing the right MBA program can shape your career trajectory. New York offers a wide range of options, each with unique strengths. The average earnings for graduates in this group stand at $71,687, highlighting the potential return on investment for an MBA degree.
What sets the top programs apart are their graduate outcomes, which include earnings, completion rates, and debt levels. Schools like Cornell University showcase high graduation rates at 95%, while CUNY Bernard M Baruch College offers remarkably low net prices at just $3,033. This list provides a clear view of how each school stacks up in terms of value and student success.
For instance, Cornell University leads the pack with impressive earnings of $104,043, while the most affordable New York programs trade lower sticker prices for more modest earnings. The tradeoff is clear: Cornell carries a higher price tag and debt levels, but its graduates enjoy greater earnings potential. Understanding these contrasts will help you make a more informed decision as you explore your options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 35 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 3.1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the group at 12.9%, with Pace University (8.4%) and Binghamton University (5.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.3% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College enrolls the most, at 27.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 38.3% across the list, peaking at 64.6% at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.71, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Yeshiva University is highest at 1.89.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we compare Cornell University with the lower-cost programs on this list, the differences in outcomes become striking. Cornell graduates earn $104,043 on average, well above the more affordable New York options. Those lower-priced programs, however, can appeal to students focused on minimizing debt.
As you sift through these options, consider your priorities. If minimizing debt is crucial, schools like CUNY Bernard M Baruch College may be more appealing despite lower earnings. Alternatively, if high salary potential is your goal, investing in a program like Cornell could pay off in the long run. Weigh each school's outcomes against your personal circumstances and career aspirations.
The data underscores the importance of choosing a program that aligns with your career goals and financial situation. A strong MBA can lead to greater financial stability, but not every path is the same. For one family, investing in an MBA at Cornell might mean a higher debt load, but it could also lead to a career with significantly higher earnings. Each decision carries weight, impacting future opportunities and lifestyles.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best MBA Programs in New York: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best MBA Programs in New York ranking? +
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best MBA Programs in New York ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,971 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 72% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which program has the highest graduate earnings? +
Cornell University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $104,043 ten years after enrollment, well above the $70,695 average across the 38 ranked programs with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which program offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Binghamton University leads: graduates earn a median $80,596 against tuition of about $15,000 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Cornell University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 69% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does an MBA cost at these schools? +
Across the 8 programs with verified tuition, annual MBA tuition averages $54,649, ranging from about $15,000 a year at Binghamton University to $89,524 at New York University. These are tuition figures pulled from official program pages (in-state where the school is public), not estimated net price.
How is the Best MBA Programs in New York ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 38 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation. →
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