Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at SUNY Broome Community College

SUNY Broome's mental health services associate program shows moderate performance compared to New York alternatives, though the small graduate sample means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $32,418 in first-year earnings, graduates outpace the typical New York program in this field by about $700—landing in the 60th percentile statewide—but they're carrying $17,500 in debt, which is roughly $7,000 above the state median for these programs.

The debt burden here matters more than it might initially appear. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 isn't catastrophic, New York students at other community colleges in this field typically graduate with far less debt while achieving similar outcomes. The modest 2% earnings growth over four years also means graduates shouldn't expect their financial situation to improve dramatically in the short term. Compare this to CUNY Hostos, where grads earn $38,000+ right out of the gate, or even schools with lower initial earnings but also lower debt loads.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the location and institutional fit justify taking on nearly double the state's typical debt for similar credentials. The relatively higher debt might be manageable for students planning to continue their education—mental health roles often require bachelor's degrees for advancement—but as a terminal degree, this program's financial profile is less compelling than several CUNY alternatives.