Accounting at SUNY College at Geneseo
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
SUNY Geneseo's accounting program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $61,687—far outpacing both New York's median ($51,525) and the national average ($53,694)—all with under $19,000 in debt. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio represents just 3.6 months of income to repay loans, one of the most favorable profiles in New York accounting. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among New York schools for earnings, that's misleading: it trails only the state's most expensive private universities (Fordham, Syracuse) and fellow SUNY flagship Binghamton, despite charging a fraction of their tuition.
The financial math here is compelling. At 88th percentile for low debt nationally, graduates avoid the burden that weighs down peers at other schools. Four-year earnings climb to nearly $79,000, representing solid 28% growth and confirming that employers value these credentials beyond entry level. For comparison, the typical New York accounting graduate carries $25,000 in debt—35% more than Geneseo students—while earning $10,000 less.
For families seeking accounting credentials without private-school price tags, Geneseo delivers exceptional value. The combination of strong employer placement, manageable debt, and SUNY tuition rates makes this one of the smartest investments in New York accounting education. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the pattern is clear: Geneseo produces job-ready accountants who start strong and aren't drowning in debt.
Where SUNY College at Geneseo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
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 College at Geneseo graduates compare to all programs nationally
SUNY College at Geneseo graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all accounting 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
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY College at Geneseo | $61,687 | $78,676 | $18,437 | 0.30 |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 |
| Marist University | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
| Molloy University | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University Bronx | $61,992 | $76,473 | $23,970 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $75,294 | $27,000 |
| Binghamton University Vestal | $10,363 | $74,151 | $19,500 |
| Marist University Poughkeepsie | $46,140 | $71,436 | $23,250 |
| Molloy University Rockville Centre | $37,840 | $70,344 | $27,000 |
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 College at Geneseo, approximately 25% 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 60 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.