Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,658
21st percentile (40th in NY)
Median Debt
$26,485
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.57
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

Analysis

SUNY Fredonia's accounting graduates start at $46,658—about $7,000 below the national median and roughly $5,000 below New York's typical accounting program. At 40th percentile statewide, this program sits decidedly in the middle tier of the state's accounting options, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary considerably from these figures.

The more encouraging story emerges over time: earnings jump 29% to reach $60,259 by year four, essentially catching up to national benchmarks. Combined with below-average debt of $26,485, the program offers a manageable debt load—graduates owe about 57% of their first-year salary, which is reasonable for the field. The question is whether that four-year climb compensates for the slower start, particularly when New York employers can recruit from dozens of accounting programs with stronger initial placement outcomes.

For families prioritizing affordability and willing to accept a more gradual earnings trajectory, Fredonia delivers a workable path into accounting without crushing debt. But parents should recognize their student will likely start behind peers from Binghamton or Syracuse, who command $74,000+ right out of the gate. The small sample also warrants caution—talking to actual recent graduates would help verify whether these patterns hold consistently.

Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

SUNY at FredoniaOther accounting 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 SUNY at Fredonia graduates compare to all programs nationally

SUNY at Fredonia graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 21th percentile of all accounting 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

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY at Fredonia$46,658$60,259$26,4850.57
Fordham University$76,473$96,453$23,9700.31
Syracuse University$75,294$85,784$27,0000.36
Binghamton University$74,151$84,365$19,5000.26
Marist University$71,436$79,786$23,2500.33
Molloy University$70,344$84,281$27,0000.38
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Fordham University
Bronx
$61,992$76,473$23,970
Syracuse University
Syracuse
$63,061$75,294$27,000
Binghamton University
Vestal
$10,363$74,151$19,500
Marist University
Poughkeepsie
$46,140$71,436$23,250
Molloy University
Rockville Centre
$37,840$70,344$27,000

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 SUNY at Fredonia, approximately 37% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.