Chemistry at State University of New York at Oswego

SUNY Oswego chemistry graduates are earning nearly $18,000 more than the typical chemistry major in New York state—an exceptional outcome that places this program in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally. At $52,645 in first-year earnings, graduates here are outearning peers from larger programs like University at Albany ($48,276) and even NYU ($37,249), while taking on just $27,000 in debt. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off loans in about six months of work, an unusually favorable position for a STEM field.

The caveat is significant: these numbers come from a small cohort (under 30 graduates), which means one or two outlier placements—perhaps students landing coveted pharmaceutical or research positions—could be skewing the picture upward. With Oswego's 80% admission rate and modest SAT averages, this isn't a highly selective program drawing only top students, which makes the earnings gap even more surprising.

For families comfortable with the small-sample uncertainty, this looks like a strong value play. If these earnings hold across larger cohorts, Oswego is delivering chemistry outcomes that rival or exceed New York's flagship universities at a fraction of the competitive pressure. Just recognize you're betting on a limited track record.