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
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 | $33,566 | $42,923 | +28% |
| Barnard College | $48,215 | $68,952 | +43% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $58,541 | $66,948 | +14% |
| New York University | $22,697 | $61,935 | +173% |
| Manhattanville University | $31,551 | $60,202 | +91% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (78 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,678 | $33,566 | $42,923 | $24,456 | 0.73 | |
| $69,045 | $58,541 | $66,948 | $31,000 | 0.53 | |
| $67,024 | $51,788 | — | — | — | |
| $66,246 | $48,215 | $68,952 | $15,899 | 0.33 | |
| $7,410 | $42,710 | $47,174 | $11,247 | 0.26 | |
| $7,452 | $41,062 | $48,880 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.