Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,691
38th percentile (40th in NY)
Median Debt
$20,824
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.43
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

Analysis

Geneseo's economics program starts below the national median at $48,691, but by year four, graduates earn $74,334—showing impressive 53% growth that eventually surpasses most peer programs. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers may not reflect the typical graduate's experience, so consider them a directional indicator rather than hard evidence.

With $20,824 in debt and strong mid-career earnings, the financial math works reasonably well. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 is manageable, and graduates appear to land on solid career trajectories even if their starting salaries lag behind competitors. Among New York economics programs, Geneseo sits around the 40th percentile—not elite territory like Cornell or Barnard, but competitive with many state options at presumably lower tuition costs for in-state students.

The key question is whether this program delivers consistent outcomes or if the small sample captures a few particularly successful graduates. The strong earnings growth suggests real career momentum, but parents should recognize they're looking at limited data. If your child is considering Geneseo, try to connect with recent alumni directly to gauge whether these trajectories match their experience. For an affordable SUNY option, the risk-reward looks reasonable—but verify the pattern holds beyond this small cohort.

Where SUNY College at Geneseo Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally

SUNY College at GeneseoOther economics programs

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 $49k, placing them in the 38th percentile of all economics 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

Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY College at Geneseo$48,691$74,334$20,8240.43
Barnard College$85,860$103,309$16,7500.20
Cornell University$84,967$107,248$15,5000.18
Columbia University in the City of New York$83,135$117,355$25,0000.30
Vassar College$79,845$81,561$19,0000.24
Colgate University$77,274$103,456$17,5000.23
National Median$51,722—$22,8160.44

Other Economics Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Barnard College
New York
$66,246$85,860$16,750
Cornell University
Ithaca
$66,014$84,967$15,500
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York
$69,045$83,135$25,000
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie
$67,805$79,845$19,000
Colgate University
Hamilton
$67,024$77,274$17,500

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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.