Health Professions at State University of New York at Cortland

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.