Analysis
SUNY Geneseo's psychology program graduates start behind the curve but demonstrate impressive momentum. First-year earnings of $30,049 lag slightly behind both national and state medians, placing this program near the 40th percentile among New York psychology degrees. However, by year four, earnings jump 57% to $47,289—surpassing many higher-ranked programs and suggesting graduates successfully transition into better-paying roles or pursue valuable graduate education.
The debt picture offers real advantages. At $22,250, graduates carry about $3,000 less than typical psychology majors nationally and in New York, with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74. This means the typical graduate could theoretically pay off their debt with less than nine months of first-year salary. Combined with Geneseo's reasonable in-state tuition and selective admissions, this creates a relatively low-risk entry point into a field that often requires graduate training.
The trajectory matters here more than the starting point. Psychology degrees rarely lead to high immediate earnings, but Geneseo graduates show they can navigate toward stronger career outcomes. For families comfortable with a modest first job while their graduate pursues additional credentials or builds experience, the combination of below-average debt and strong earnings growth makes this a solid foundation—especially at SUNY pricing.
Where SUNY College at Geneseo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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 | $30,049 | $47,289 | +57% |
| Cornell University | $36,630 | $64,146 | +75% |
| Fordham University | $28,256 | $58,590 | +107% |
| Binghamton University | $30,023 | $58,122 | +94% |
| Ithaca College | $27,814 | $55,104 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,966 | $30,049 | $47,289 | $22,250 | 0.74 | |
| $7,410 | $48,299 | $41,272 | $19,462 | 0.40 | |
| — | $43,574 | — | $28,914 | 0.66 | |
| $7,352 | $39,868 | $41,004 | $11,700 | 0.29 | |
| $7,630 | $39,188 | $40,013 | $29,050 | 0.74 | |
| $21,810 | $38,918 | $37,736 | $20,500 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 133 graduates with reported earnings and 209 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.