Analysis
SUNY Cortland's health professions program shows something unusual: graduates start modestly but gain significant ground quickly. First-year earnings of $39,217 climb 31% to $51,495 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces most health professions programs. Combined with below-average debt ($26,995), this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69, meaning graduates owe less than nine months of first-year salary.
The state context reveals why this matters for New York families. This program ranks in the 60th percentile among New York's 17 health professions programs, performing better than SUNY peers while avoiding the higher debt loads typical of private institutions. While Excelsior graduates earn more initially, SUNY Cortland students accumulate $10,000+ less in debt for credentials that lead to similar mid-career positions in New York's healthcare sector.
The real strength here is steady career progression rather than immediate earning power. For families comfortable with a career that builds momentum over time—common in clinical or allied health roles—this represents solid value. The relatively selective admission (51% acceptance rate) suggests quality training without the financial risk of costlier alternatives.
Where State University of New York at Cortland Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How State University of New York at Cortland graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| State University of New York at Cortland | $39,217 | $51,495 | +31% |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| St. John's University-New York | $35,973 | $53,575 | +49% |
| Long Island University | $31,153 | $49,589 | +59% |
| St. Francis College | $38,342 | $42,483 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 State University of New York at CortlandCortland | $8,815 | $39,217 | $51,495 | $26,995 | 0.69 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $52,631 | $83,502 | $31,251 | 0.59 |
 St. Francis CollegeBrooklyn | $27,570 | $38,342 | $42,483 | $25,500 | 0.67 |
 St. John's University-New YorkQueens | $50,110 | $35,973 | $53,575 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
 Long Island UniversityBrookville | $41,642 | $31,153 | $49,589 | $25,000 | 0.80 |
 Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry | $22,106 | $30,546 | $42,352 | $28,000 | 0.92 |
| National Median | — | $38,492 | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
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 State University of New York at Cortland, approximately 27% 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.