Economics at University at Albany

University at Albany's economics program starts graduates at a surprisingly low salary of just $37,188—nearly $15,000 below the state median and among the bottom 5% nationally. For a field typically associated with strong early earnings, this should concern parents. While the debt load of $24,474 isn't catastrophic, it represents two-thirds of that first year's income, creating immediate financial pressure for new graduates.

The redeeming factor here is significant earnings growth: by year four, graduates reach $58,487, jumping into the middle of the pack nationally and catching up somewhat to state peers. That 57% increase suggests the degree does open doors, just with a slower start than competing programs. Still, even at the four-year mark, Albany graduates earn roughly $20,000 less than those from Cornell or Columbia—a gap that's hard to ignore when comparing similar degree costs at SUNY's lower tuition rate.

For families prioritizing affordability, Albany's economics program could work if your child can weather those lean first years, perhaps by living at home or securing additional financial support. But if they have options at other SUNY schools or private institutions with stronger aid packages, compare those four-year earnings carefully. The catch-up story is real, but starting this far behind means playing defense financially when most economics majors are already building wealth.