Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at SUNY Brockport

SUNY Brockport's geosciences program sits right at the state median for first-year earnings at $37,768—a position that tells you something about how competitive this field is in New York. While this lands the program at the 60th percentile statewide, it places it nationally at just the 28th percentile, suggesting New York geosciences grads generally face tougher early-career prospects than their peers in other states. The estimated debt of $23,763 (based on similar programs at SUNY Brockport) creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, which is manageable but not ideal for a field where earnings typically take time to grow.

What's worth noting is the disparity among New York programs: SUNY New Paltz graduates earn about $2,700 more in their first year, while Geneseo's geosciences grads start significantly lower at $27,395. This suggests that within the SUNY system, Brockport occupies a middle ground—not the strongest performer but far from the weakest. For families looking at a 71% admission rate school serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (39%), this represents a relatively accessible path into earth sciences.

The practical consideration: your child would likely carry debt roughly equivalent to 60% of their first-year salary, which is serviceable if they're committed to the field and understand that geosciences careers often require graduate work or additional certifications to reach higher earning potential. This is a solid mid-tier option for a student interested in earth sciences, though not a standout performer.