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
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY Brockport 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 Brockport | $30,572 | $42,360 | +39% |
| Cornell University | $36,630 | $64,146 | +75% |
| Fordham University | $28,256 | $58,590 | +107% |
| Binghamton University | $30,023 | $58,122 | +94% |
| Ithaca College | $27,814 | $55,104 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,678 | $30,572 | $42,360 | $23,250 | 0.76 | |
| $7,410 | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 | |
| — | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 | |
| $7,352 | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 | |
| $7,630 | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 | |
| $21,810 | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.