Engineering at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

This engineering program's estimated national-median earnings of roughly $68,000 place it well above most New York engineering programs, where typical first-year earnings sit closer to $52,000. The estimated debt of about $26,000 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—manageable for an engineering degree and roughly in line with national norms for the field. What makes these estimates particularly relevant here is that ESF is a specialized institution with a unique environmental and forestry focus; its engineering programs likely differ significantly from traditional mechanical or electrical engineering tracks, which could explain both the data suppression and why peer-program estimates may not capture the full picture.

The trajectory from first-year to fourth-year earnings shows modest growth—from an estimated $68,000 to $69,000—suggesting either that graduates hit their stride quickly or that specialized environmental engineering roles have flatter early-career progressions than broader engineering fields. For context, even with estimates tracking national medians, this program appears stronger than most in-state alternatives where actual reported data exists.

The key uncertainty is whether ESF's specialized focus commands a premium or penalty compared to traditional engineering programs. If your child is drawn to environmental applications of engineering, the estimated financial picture looks reasonable, but recognize you're making this decision with less visibility than you'd have at schools with reported outcomes. The 83% admission rate and relatively low debt suggest accessibility without financial overreach.