Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $109,601/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$75,601/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $113,744 | $26,425 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $95,348 | $12,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $80,907 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $22,869 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $69,757 | $66,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $64,962 | $196,615 |
| Public Health. | Master | $56,641 | $28,187 |
Analysis
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University delivers strong financial returns for students pursuing healthcare careers, with median 10-year earnings of $109,601 and unusually low debt loads at $12,500.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear financial winners here. The top-earning nursing track produces graduates earning $113,744 annually with $26,425 in debt, while another nursing pathway achieves $95,348 earnings with just $12,500 debt. Both outcomes represent excellent return ratios that justify the investment quickly in New York's high-paying healthcare market.
Rehabilitation programs show more mixed results. While one track hits $80,907 in earnings, another rehabilitation program saddles graduates with $66,000 in debt for only $69,757 in annual earnings. This debt-to-income ratio creates a concerning repayment burden that could strain your budget for years.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in program selection. Choose wrong within the rehabilitation field and you face triple the debt of nursing students for significantly lower pay. Research specific program outcomes carefully before committing.
Only 7.8% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either high family incomes among attendees or limited aid availability. This makes the school most suitable for students who can pay out-of-pocket or qualify for external healthcare scholarships.
You should target SUNY Downstate if you're committed to nursing or specific allied health fields where job placement rates remain high in the Brooklyn area. Look elsewhere if you're exploring rehabilitation programs with high debt loads or if you need substantial financial aid to make attendance possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University worth the cost?
With median debt of just $12,500 and 10-year earnings of $109,601, SUNY Downstate offers strong ROI for health sciences students. The low debt burden makes this a financially sound choice compared to private health science programs.
What programs at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $95,348-$113,744 after 10 years. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions pay $69,757-$80,907, while allied health diagnostics averages $74,576.
How much debt do SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $12,500, which is unusually low for health sciences education. This makes SUNY Downstate one of the more affordable paths to healthcare careers in the New York area.
Does SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University provide good financial aid?
The low median debt suggests decent financial aid or affordable tuition, though specific aid amounts vary by program and student need. As a SUNY school, in-state students get significantly lower tuition rates.