Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at State University of New York at Oswego

Based on comparable geosciences programs in New York, SUNY Oswego graduates likely face first-year earnings around $37,800—positioning them squarely in the middle of the state's range but slightly below the national median of $39,700. The $27,000 debt load is notably higher than the state median of $23,250, though it remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. This means students would owe roughly 8.5 months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable compared to many undergraduate programs.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual. Oswego's small graduate sample prevented reporting actual outcomes, and the five comparable NY programs show considerable variation—from SUNY Geneseo's concerning $27,400 to New Paltz's stronger $40,500. This 48% spread suggests your child's actual outcome could differ substantially depending on factors like internship access, specialization choices, and regional job market connections. The school's 80% admission rate and substantial Pell enrollment (39%) indicate it serves a broad student population, which may mean less robust industry networking compared to more selective programs.

For families weighing this investment, the debt burden appears reasonable if those estimated earnings hold true, but recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into Oswego's specific track record. The geosciences field often requires graduate education for higher-paying positions, so factor in whether this bachelor's degree is a terminal credential or a stepping stone.