Finance and Financial Management Services at SUNY Old Westbury

A $46,941 starting salary for finance graduates from SUNY Old Westbury falls roughly $4,300 below the New York state median and $6,600 below the national average—a meaningful gap that places this program in the bottom fifth nationally. Among New York's 47 finance programs, this lands at the 40th percentile, meaning six in ten programs deliver better outcomes. For context, graduates from SUNY Binghamton—another public option—earn nearly $27,000 more their first year out.

The saving grace here is debt: at $18,500, Old Westbury graduates borrow about $6,500 less than the state median, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. That's far better than what many private schools deliver. This represents the classic SUNY value equation—you're not getting elite outcomes, but you're also not mortgaging your future. The 85% admission rate and 47% Pell Grant population suggest Old Westbury serves students who might not access alternatives like Binghamton or Fordham.

The trade-off is straightforward: your child will start their finance career earning less than most New York peers, but with minimal debt burden. If landing at a bulge bracket firm matters, this program likely won't compete. If graduating with low debt and reasonable access to entry-level financial services roles in the New York metro area is the goal, the modest outcomes match the modest investment.