Analysis
SUNY Geneseo's accounting program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $61,687βfar outpacing both New York's median ($51,525) and the national average ($53,694)βall 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 debtβ35% more than Geneseo studentsβwhile 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
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY College at Geneseo 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 College at Geneseo | $61,687 | $78,676 | +28% |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | +26% |
| Yeshiva University | $69,252 | $87,338 | +26% |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | +14% |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,966 | $61,687 | $78,676 | $18,437 | 0.30 | |
| $61,992 | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 | |
| $63,061 | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $10,363 | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 | |
| $46,140 | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 | |
| $37,840 | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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.