Median Earnings (1yr)
$92,165
95th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$20,538
24% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22
Manageable
Sample Size
62
Adequate data

Analysis

Stony Brook graduates launch their careers earning $92,165—outpacing the national median for this field by more than 50% and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's an impressive start, especially with manageable debt of just $20,538, well below both state and national averages. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings.

The challenge lies in what happens next: earnings drop to $73,322 by year four, a 20% decline that's unusual for most health professions. This pattern suggests many graduates may be taking specialized healthcare positions that pay exceptionally well initially—perhaps through overtime or shift differentials—but then transition to different roles or settings. Within New York's competitive allied health landscape, Stony Brook sits at the state median, which means half of NY programs produce higher long-term earners, including several SUNY and CUNY alternatives.

For families focused on immediate earning power and minimal debt burden, this program delivers. The first-year numbers are genuinely strong, and the low debt provides financial flexibility. However, prospective students should investigate what drives that earnings dip—whether it reflects career pivots, part-time work, or industry-specific patterns—to understand whether this trajectory aligns with their long-term professional goals.

Where Stony Brook University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions bachelors's programs nationally

Stony Brook UniversityOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Stony Brook University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Stony Brook University graduates earn $92k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stony Brook University$92,165$73,322$20,5380.22
Wagner College$129,269$137,299$27,0000.21
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University$105,434$84,870$27,7400.26
D'Youville University$101,885$107,017$42,5000.42
St. John's University-New York$100,883$121,198$27,0000.27
CUNY New York City College of Technology$92,818———
National Median$60,447—$27,0000.45

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Wagner College
Staten Island
$52,000$129,269$27,000
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn
—$105,434$27,740
D'Youville University
Buffalo
$33,560$101,885$42,500
St. John's University-New York
Queens
$50,110$100,883$27,000
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn
$7,332$92,818—

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Stony Brook University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 62 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.