Human Resources Management and Services at State University of New York at Oswego

SUNY Oswego's HR program graduates earn substantially less than their peers across New York state—about $10,000 below the state median in the first year and remaining behind even after four years. At the 25th percentile statewide, this program underperforms three-quarters of comparable NY programs, which matters when most graduates will likely compete for jobs in the same regional market. The gap widens when you look nationally: earnings sit at just the 10th percentile among HR programs nationwide.

The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates borrowing about $5,000 less than typical NY HR students. That lower debt load translates to a reasonable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. The 12% earnings growth over four years is solid but doesn't close the gap with better-performing programs—SUNY Oswego grads still earn less at year four than typical NY HR graduates make in year one.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether the SUNY tuition savings justify starting a career $10,000+ behind state peers. If your child can access stronger SUNY options or comparable programs elsewhere in New York, the earnings data suggests they should explore those alternatives. The low debt is commendable, but it doesn't compensate for persistently below-average earning potential in a field where mid-career compensation matters significantly.