Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,566
46th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$24,456
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.73
Manageable
Sample Size
43
Adequate data

Analysis

SUNY Brockport's sociology program starts modestly but demonstrates impressive momentum. Graduates earn $33,566 in their first year—slightly below the national average but above the New York state median for sociology programs. What's notable is the 28% earnings growth over four years, reaching nearly $43,000, which suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into career-track positions rather than remaining stuck in entry-level roles.

Within New York's competitive landscape of 78 sociology programs, Brockport ranks in the 60th percentile—a respectable showing that puts it firmly in the middle tier. While it can't compete with elite private institutions like Columbia or Barnard, graduates take on less debt ($24,456, slightly below state and national averages) and face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. This means first-year earnings cover about 1.4 times the debt burden, a workable starting point that improves as salaries climb.

For families seeking an affordable SUNY option, this program represents solid value. The debt load is reasonable, the earnings trajectory points upward rather than plateauing, and graduates perform better than average compared to other New York sociology programs. Just understand that sociology isn't a high-earning field overall—even top programs produce modest median salaries—so this degree works best paired with clear career plans or as preparation for graduate school.

Where SUNY Brockport Stands

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

SUNY BrockportOther sociology 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 $34k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all sociology 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

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (78 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY Brockport$33,566$42,923$24,4560.73
Columbia University in the City of New York$58,541$66,948$31,0000.53
Colgate University$51,788———
Barnard College$48,215$68,952$15,8990.33
CUNY Lehman College$42,710$47,174$11,2470.26
CUNY Brooklyn College$41,062$48,880——
National Median$34,102—$25,0000.73

Other Sociology Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York
$69,045$58,541$31,000
Colgate University
Hamilton
$67,024$51,788—
Barnard College
New York
$66,246$48,215$15,899
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx
$7,410$42,710$11,247
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn
$7,452$41,062—

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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.