Location: Oneonta, NY•In-State Tuition: $8,812•Out-of-State Tuition: $19,232•Admission Rate: 70%•Avg SAT: 1181
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,143
74th percentile
40th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$23,250
7% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.64 ManageableSample: 43 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where SUNY Oneonta Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

SUNY OneontaOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How SUNY Oneonta graduates compare to all programs nationally

SUNY Oneonta earns $36k — 74th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
SUNY Oneonta$36,143$44,711+24%
Cornell University$38,401$61,634+61%
Binghamton University$36,213$44,767+24%
Syracuse University$36,858$44,252+20%
State University of New York at Plattsburgh$35,025$42,440+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
SUNY OneontaOneonta$8,812$36,143$44,711$23,2500.64
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$38,401$61,634$15,5000.40
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$36,858$44,252$22,9810.62
Binghamton UniversityVestal$10,363$36,213$44,767$19,5000.54
State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh$8,881$35,025$42,440$25,4200.73
St. Joseph's University-New YorkBrooklyn$34,535$21,796—$27,0001.24
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 Oneonta, approximately 33% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 43 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.