Analysis
Business programs in New York typically launch graduates into the mid-$50,000s within their first year, and Fredonia appears positioned right around that mark. Similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings near $54,000, while estimated debt of roughly $13,500 comes in well below both the state median ($23,000) and national benchmark ($26,000). That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25—meaning graduates would owe less than three months of their first year's salary.
The limited sample size that required estimation here does create uncertainty about Fredonia's specific outcomes, but the surrounding context looks reasonable. The school serves a solid middle-class population (37% Pell recipients, mid-range SAT scores) at a public school price point. While elite programs like NYU command nearly $80,000 in first-year earnings, that comes with significantly higher tuition costs that Fredonia avoids. The real question is whether your student could access higher-earning programs at comparable cost—SUNY's Empire State University, for instance, shows similar earnings patterns across the state system.
For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum earnings potential, this estimated profile suggests a workable investment. The key risk is that these figures represent peer programs rather than Fredonia's verified track record—but the low debt burden provides meaningful cushion even if actual earnings fall somewhat short of the state average.
Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,771 | $53,966* | — | $13,472* | — | |
| $60,438 | $77,828* | $115,546 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $7,410 | $65,520* | $63,624 | $14,500* | 0.22 | |
| $7,630 | $57,225* | $59,995 | $28,710* | 0.50 | |
| $63,870 | $54,772* | $67,402 | $26,113* | 0.48 | |
| $65,030 | $54,378* | $65,277 | $20,814* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.