Analysis
Starting at under $29,000 means SUNY Fredonia's social work graduates face immediate financial strain—that first-year salary falls well below both New York's $38,126 median and the national benchmark. While earnings jump 52% by year four to reach $43,679, that trajectory tells only part of the story. The program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among New York schools, placing it behind not only CUNY campuses (where graduates earn $42,000-$45,000) but most alternatives statewide.
The debt load of $24,340 appears manageable on paper, but paired with those first-year earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio of 0.85—meaning graduates owe nearly a full year's salary right out of college. For a field already known for modest pay, that's a tough starting position, especially when SUNY Fredonia's outcomes lag significantly behind other affordable New York public options.
Important caveat: this analysis reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary considerably. However, if your child is committed to social work, investigating why nearby CUNY programs produce consistently stronger earnings—or considering graduate school pathways that might open better-compensated roles—would be prudent before committing to this particular bachelor's program.
Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY at Fredonia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY at Fredonia | $28,723 | $43,679 | +52% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| CUNY York College | $44,742 | $58,778 | +31% |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | $31,021 | $56,620 | +83% |
| University at Albany | $32,913 | $54,302 | +65% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SUNY at FredoniaFredonia | $8,771 | $28,723 | $43,679 | $24,340 | 0.85 |
 CUNY York CollegeJamaica | $7,358 | $44,742 | $58,778 | $9,500 | 0.21 |
 CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn | $7,352 | $44,311 | — | $15,096 | 0.34 |
 CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx | $7,410 | $42,300 | $50,858 | $12,690 | 0.30 |
 CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York | $7,382 | $42,227 | — | $9,608 | 0.23 |
 Keuka CollegeKeuka Park | $38,000 | $40,642 | $46,999 | $40,593 | 1.00 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 63 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.