Analysis
Physics programs in New York typically produce first-year earnings around $48,641, which is where comparable programs suggest Geneseo graduates likely land. While the suppressed data means we can't verify this school's specific outcomes, that figure aligns closely with the national median and sits in the middle of New York's physics program range—above SUNY Stony Brook but below private powerhouses like RPI. With $18,000 in debt, Geneseo's price point is notably lower than both the state median ($20,270) and national benchmark ($23,304), making it one of the more affordable paths to a physics degree in New York.
The debt-to-earnings picture looks manageable: borrowers would face monthly payments around $200 on a standard plan, consuming roughly 5% of gross income. That's a lighter burden than most physics programs nationally, where higher debt loads are common. The caveat is that physics careers often require graduate school for the highest-paying roles, so that debt number matters more if additional borrowing lies ahead. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, entry-level positions in data analysis, engineering support, or education are realistic outcomes at these salary levels.
For a selective SUNY school offering solid academics at a public price, this represents a reasonable investment if your child is committed to physics—but verify career plans beyond the bachelor's degree. The financial advantage here is the low debt, not exceptional early earnings.
Where SUNY College at Geneseo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (66 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,966 | $48,641* | — | $18,000 | — | |
| $61,884 | $60,348* | $88,071 | $20,270 | 0.34 | |
| $66,014 | $50,933* | — | $15,961 | 0.31 | |
| $7,340 | $48,908* | — | — | — | |
| $57,016 | $48,374* | — | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $10,560 | $44,562* | $69,154 | $21,683 | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304 | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
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.