Analysis
SUNY Old Westbury's social sciences program punches above its weight, with graduates earning $40,537 within a year—well above both the state and national medians of around $36,000. More importantly, this isn't a plateau situation: earnings jump to $51,171 by year four, a 26% increase that suggests graduates are finding career traction rather than hitting dead ends. Among New York's 25 social sciences programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, a respectable showing given the school's 85% admission rate and nearly half its students qualifying for Pell grants.
The debt picture requires some attention. At $19,500, graduates borrow less than the state median ($21,366) but still land in the 78th percentile nationally—meaning most comparable programs nationwide carry lighter debt loads. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 is manageable; graduates earn roughly double their debt in their first year, which is a workable starting point for most families.
The real story here is trajectory. While graduates from elite programs like CUNY Graduate School start higher, Old Westbury students show meaningful income growth that closes gaps over time. For families weighing access and affordability against outcomes, this program delivers solid middle-class earnings with reasonable debt—particularly valuable for students who might not gain admission to more selective options.
Where SUNY Old Westbury Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How SUNY Old Westbury 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 Old Westbury | $40,537 | $51,171 | +26% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $37,919 | $49,676 | +31% |
| St Lawrence University | $32,933 | $47,311 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SUNY Old WestburyOld Westbury | $8,379 | $40,537 | $51,171 | $19,500 | 0.48 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $54,265 | — | $12,500 | 0.23 |
 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York | $7,470 | $37,919 | $49,676 | — | — |
 University of RochesterRochester | $64,348 | $37,491 | $61,172 | $21,366 | 0.57 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $35,772 | — | $20,188 | 0.56 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $34,845 | $62,428 | $26,000 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $36,279 | — | $25,500 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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 Old Westbury, approximately 47% 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.