Human Development, Family Studies, at SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta's Human Development program performs better than most similar programs nationwide but trails the state median by a small margin—a nuanced position that matters for New York families. With graduates earning $36,143 in their first year, the program lands in the 74th percentile nationally but only the 40th percentile among New York's 11 programs. This isn't a red flag so much as a reality check: in a state with Cornell and Syracuse driving up the curve, Oneonta delivers solid but middle-of-the-pack results for in-state students.

The financial picture is straightforward and manageable. At $23,250 in median debt—slightly below both state and national averages—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, meaning they owe less than eight months of their first-year salary. Earnings growth of 24% by year four brings income to $44,711, showing the field offers clear advancement opportunities. For families weighing SUNY's in-state tuition advantage, these outcomes justify the investment, even if they don't match the state's top-tier programs.

The takeaway: This is a reliable choice for students committed to family services or child development careers, particularly when the lower SUNY tuition is factored in. The program won't deliver earnings that compete with Cornell or Syracuse, but it provides a financially sustainable path into the field with debt levels that won't derail early career decisions.