Analysis
Drawing from peer health profession programs across the country, associate's graduates typically enter the field earning around $35,200 in their first year—while carrying debt that national comparables suggest runs about $15,400. That produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than half their first-year salary. For families eyeing SUNY Morrisville specifically, it's worth noting that similar health programs in New York tend to produce slightly higher earnings ($35,765) while carrying lower debt loads ($12,950), suggesting this estimate may actually be conservative on both fronts.
The 55% Pell grant rate tells you this program serves predominantly working-class students, and the fundamentals make sense for that population: healthcare credentials at the associate's level typically lead to stable employment, and debt below $16,000 remains serviceable even on entry-level healthcare salaries. Since we're working with estimates rather than reported outcomes from Morrisville's specific graduates, you'll want to dig into what concentration or license this particular program prepares students for—not all health profession tracks produce identical returns, and the difference between becoming a dental hygienist versus a medical assistant matters enormously for earnings potential. Ask the school directly what their graduates do and what their actual placement rates look like, because those specifics will determine whether this investment pays off.
Where SUNY Morrisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,769 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — | |
| $5,856 | $35,765* | $44,497 | $12,950* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
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 Morrisville, approximately 55% 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 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.