Economics at State University of New York at Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh's Economics program shows surprisingly strong earnings growth despite a slow start. While graduates earn just $43,977 in their first year—well below both the national median ($51,722) and New York median ($50,058)—their earnings jump 48% to reach $65,176 by year four. That trajectory outpaces typical growth patterns and suggests graduates eventually find solid footing in the job market, though the initial lag may reflect the limited economic opportunities in Plattsburgh's North Country location.

The debt picture here is reasonable at $24,693, translating to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio. Among New York's 74 economics programs, this one sits at the 40th percentile—decidedly middle-of-the-pack. You're not getting Barnard or Cornell outcomes (where graduates earn $85,000+), but you're also paying a fraction of private school costs.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than larger programs. If your student thrives in smaller settings and plans to stay flexible about job location after graduation, the strong year-four earnings suggest this program can deliver solid returns. Just know they may need to be patient—or geographically mobile—during that crucial first year out of school.