Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,571
95th percentile
Median Debt
$24,500
6% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.04
Elevated
Sample Size
40
Adequate data

Analysis

SUNY Fredonia's Leisure and Recreational Activities program performs near the top nationally, with graduates earning $23,571 right out of school—beating 95% of similar programs across the country. The $24,500 debt load is also lower than the national median of $26,000, creating a manageable 1.04 debt-to-earnings ratio. While the starting salary lands at the 60th percentile among New York's two programs in this field (meaning roughly average for the state), the 47% earnings jump to $34,523 by year four suggests graduates build valuable skills that employers increasingly reward.

The real story here is trajectory rather than starting point. That four-year earnings growth transforms what looks like a modest $23,571 entry salary into a solidly middle-class $34,500—a pattern that should continue as graduates advance into management and program director roles. The relatively low debt amplifies this advantage: you're not dragging a heavy anchor while your income climbs.

For families worried about recreation-focused degrees, this data offers reassurance. Fredonia delivers outcomes that match or exceed most peer programs without the debt burden that often accompanies specialized bachelor's degrees. The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect real hiring patterns, not statistical noise. If your child is genuinely drawn to recreation management or event programming, this represents a practical path that won't require years of financial strain.

Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all leisure and recreational activities bachelors's programs nationally

SUNY at FredoniaOther leisure and recreational activities 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 $24k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all leisure and recreational activities 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

Leisure and Recreational Activities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (2 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY at Fredonia$23,571$34,523$24,5001.04
National Median$23,400—$26,0001.11

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.