Analysis
Similar applied mathematics programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $55,000—roughly $6,000 below the national median for this major. That gap matters when you consider that Genesco's selectivity (SAT averages above 1290) suggests students who could likely compete for spots at higher-earning programs. Rochester Institute of Technology graduates in applied math earn about $75,000 in their first year, and even SUNY Albany tops $65,000, raising questions about whether Geneseo's program connects students to the same opportunities.
The estimated debt of $19,000 is manageable, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that compares favorably to both state and national norms. Peer programs in New York typically carry about $21,000 in debt, so Geneseo appears to deliver cost efficiency even if earnings lag. For a student paying in-state tuition at a SUNY school, keeping debt this low while pursuing a quantitative degree provides meaningful financial flexibility after graduation.
The practical question is whether your child would be better served at a SUNY campus with documented stronger earnings outcomes. The $20,000+ earnings gap between comparable programs within the same state system suggests that not all applied math degrees deliver equal returns, even when debt levels are similar. If staying in-state is the priority, programs with actual reported data showing higher earnings deserve serious consideration.
Where SUNY College at Geneseo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SUNY College at GeneseoGeneseo | $8,966 | $55,288* | — | $19,000* | — |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $91,559* | — | —* | — |
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $74,921* | $65,619 | $26,682* | 0.36 |
 University at AlbanyAlbany | $10,408 | $65,604* | — | $21,286* | 0.32 |
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $44,972* | $75,438 | $19,000* | 0.42 |
 Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale | $8,576 | $44,430* | — | $18,806* | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.