International Relations and National Security Studies at SUNY College at Geneseo

SUNY Geneseo's International Relations program shows typical first-year earnings but impressive mid-career trajectory, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $36,754 initially, graduates earn right at the state median, but by year four they've jumped to $54,921—a 49% increase that puts them well ahead of most peers. Among New York's 37 programs in this field, Geneseo ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms the state median despite being a public institution with much lower costs than the private schools dominating the top spots.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $21,519, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle. That mid-career earnings growth is the real story here—while Syracuse charges significantly more and Fordham even more still, Geneseo graduates appear to catch up over time, likely as they move into government, policy, or nonprofit roles where SUNY credentials hold value.

The small sample caveat matters, though. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a couple of high or low earners can swing these numbers dramatically. If your child is seriously considering this program, try to connect with recent alumni to verify the career outcomes match these patterns. For in-state tuition, the trajectory looks promising, but recognize the earnings data here is less reliable than larger programs.