Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
In New York, sustainability studies programs show a wide range of outcomes—Columbia grads earn over $50,000 in their first year while SUNY Oneonta reports around $32,000. Delhi's program, with estimated first-year earnings of $37,223, likely falls somewhere in the middle based on national patterns for similar bachelor's programs. That figure tracks with the national median exactly, which provides some reassurance, though New York programs typically perform better at $43,183 median.
The estimated debt of $20,278 translates to a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold where annual debt equals annual income. However, sustainability studies careers often start modestly and depend heavily on location and sector (nonprofit vs. corporate, urban vs. rural). With nearly half of Delhi students receiving Pell grants, families should factor in whether the field's typical entry-level salaries align with their financial situation and whether graduate school might eventually be necessary for advancement.
Given the wide variation in New York outcomes and the fact that these figures are estimates from peer programs rather than Delhi's actual graduate data, request information from the school about where their specific graduates land. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but knowing whether Delhi's network leans toward higher-paying environmental consulting or lower-paying nonprofit work would matter significantly for your planning.
Where SUNY College of Technology at Delhi Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sustainability studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Sustainability Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,710 | $37,223* | — | $20,278* | — | |
| $69,045 | $53,957* | $74,682 | $18,070* | 0.33 | |
| $8,812 | $32,409* | — | $20,510* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $37,223* | — | $20,045* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sustainability studies graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Water Resource Specialists
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Urban and Regional Planners
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Conservation Scientists
Range Managers
Park Naturalists
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
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 of Technology at Delhi, approximately 46% 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 national median of 22 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.