Physiology, Pathology at SUNY Brockport

SUNY Brockport's physiology and pathology program starts with earnings significantly below what most graduates in this field see—$23,000 in the first year lands it in the bottom 5% nationally. Among New York's seven physiology programs, it ranks near the bottom quartile, trailing Buffalo, Ithaca, and Skidmore by substantial margins. The debt load of nearly $27,000, while only slightly above typical borrowing for this major, creates an immediate financial strain when paired with these entry-level wages.

The dramatic turnaround by year four deserves attention: earnings nearly double to $44,000, suggesting graduates either need time to find appropriate positions or are pursuing additional credentials before entering better-paying roles. This 91% growth rate eventually brings outcomes closer to respectability, though it means weathering tough financial years early on. For students planning graduate school in health sciences, this pattern might be acceptable. For those expecting to enter the workforce directly with a bachelor's degree, the initial earnings gap is concerning.

The path forward requires clarity about post-graduation plans. If your child intends to continue immediately to a graduate or professional program, these bachelor's-level earnings matter less. But if they're counting on supporting themselves with just this degree, understand they'll likely face below-average starting wages compared to peers in similar programs statewide and nationally.