At $18,021/yr net price, SUNY College at Geneseo graduates earn $67,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,021 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,369/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,591/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,180/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,850/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,488/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,508 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,114 | $18,187 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,305 | $12,408 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $19,924 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $19,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $19,875 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $19,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $19,500 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $17,500 |
The Risk Factor
72.1% of students at SUNY College at Geneseo graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY Geneseo delivers solid financial returns with a median 10-year salary of $67,316 against a relatively low net price of $18,021 annually. Your debt burden stays manageable at $19,500 median, making this one of the stronger financial bets in the SUNY system.
Accounting stands out as the clear winner among majors, with graduates earning over $60,000 while carrying debt loads under $19,000. Education majors face the typical teacher pay reality with starting salaries around $45,000, though their debt burden drops to just $12,408. Economics and business management graduates earn in the low $40,000s, which creates a tighter margin given debt levels approaching $20,000.
The school's 72% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly three in ten students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after the first year.
You should consider Geneseo if you plan to study accounting or can handle the education career track with lower debt. The school works well for middle-class families who earn too much for significant need-based aid but want quality education without private school costs. With only 25% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to the full net price.
Avoid Geneseo if you need substantial merit aid or plan to major in fields not represented in the top-earning programs. The limited financial aid means you need family resources or strong borrowing capacity to make the numbers work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College at Geneseo worth the cost compared to other SUNY schools?
Geneseo offers solid value with a $18,021 annual net price and $67,316 average earnings after 10 years, making it a decent mid-tier SUNY option. The 72% graduation rate is respectable but not outstanding for a state school.
What are the best paying majors at SUNY College at Geneseo?
Accounting graduates earn around $56,000-$62,500 starting out, making it the strongest ROI program at Geneseo. Education majors typically earn $45,305, which is low given the debt load, while business and economics graduates fall in between.
How much student debt do SUNY College at Geneseo graduates typically have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable given the average $67,316 earnings 10 years after graduation. This debt-to-income ratio makes Geneseo a reasonable financial choice for most students.
Should I choose SUNY College at Geneseo over a community college or other four-year schools?
Geneseo makes sense if you want a traditional four-year experience and can get into accounting or business programs. For education majors or undecided students, starting at a community college might offer better value given the relatively modest earning outcomes.