Science, Technology and Society at Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State's Science, Technology and Society program starts slowly but transforms into something surprisingly valuable. That $31,638 first-year salary ranks in just the 10th percentile nationally, but by year four, graduates earn $52,598—a 66% jump that outpaces most interdisciplinary programs. More importantly, among the five New York schools offering this degree, Farmingdale ranks in the 60th percentile, actually beating better-known institutions like Vassar College despite the modest starting point.

The $18,006 debt load makes this trajectory manageable. While graduates may struggle somewhat in their first year out (with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57), the rapid earnings growth means most will move past entry-level positions quickly. This pattern suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through—perhaps graduates need a year or two to translate their interdisciplinary training into career momentum. Given that 36% of students receive Pell grants, this program serves as a legitimate pathway to middle-income professional work for students without family wealth.

The key question is whether your child can weather that challenging first year financially. If they can handle modest initial earnings—perhaps by living at home or having minimal expenses—the program delivers solid returns by their mid-twenties. The relatively low debt makes this gamble more reasonable than it would be at a pricier institution.