Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,572
42nd percentile (40th in NY)
Median Debt
$23,250
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.76
Manageable
Sample Size
134
Adequate data

Analysis

SUNY Brockport's psychology program starts graduates at a modest $30,572—slightly below both national and state medians—but here's what matters: earnings jump 39% to $42,360 by year four, vaulting graduates well above typical psychology majors who plateau much sooner. This earnings trajectory suggests the program equips students with skills that become more valuable as they gain experience, whether through graduate school preparation, applied psychology roles, or career pivots that leverage the degree.

The $23,250 debt load sits below New York's median and translates to a manageable 0.76 ratio against first-year earnings. While initial salaries won't impress, the upward momentum changes the calculation considerably. Compare this to CUNY Medgar Evers (which starts graduates at $39,868) and you'll see Brockport's value emerges over time rather than immediately. For families prioritizing affordable state tuition at a school serving a significant Pell grant population, this represents a reasonable path—especially for students planning to pursue the graduate credentials that often define success in psychology.

The program won't compete with elite outcomes, but the strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding traction in New York's job market. If your student is genuinely committed to psychology and willing to accept slower initial progress, this delivers solid mobility at a price point that won't derail their financial future.

Where SUNY Brockport Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

SUNY BrockportOther psychology 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 Brockport graduates compare to all programs nationally

SUNY Brockport graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all psychology 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

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY Brockport$30,572$42,360$23,2500.76
CUNY Graduate School and University Center$48,299$41,272$19,4620.40
Excelsior University$43,574—$28,9140.66
CUNY Medgar Evers College$39,868$41,004$11,7000.29
Empire State University$39,188$40,013$29,0500.74
Touro University$38,918$37,736$20,5000.53
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York
$7,410$48,299$19,462
Excelsior University
Albany
—$43,574$28,914
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Brooklyn
$7,352$39,868$11,700
Empire State University
Saratoga Springs
$7,630$39,188$29,050
Touro University
New York
$21,810$38,918$20,500

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 Brockport, approximately 39% 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 134 graduates with reported earnings and 204 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.