Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at SUNY New Paltz vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 37 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#38 nationally
$65K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at State University Of New York At New Paltz.
Engineering and technology programs at SUNY New Paltz deliver strong earnings outcomes led by Artificial Intelligence, which produces $94,090 median earnings and ranks #41 nationally. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $66,274, though with lower value scores reflecting higher debt relative to earnings.
This group demonstrates the earning potential of technical fields while showing variation in return on investment across specializations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #38 | $94,090★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes, not academic reputation or prestige. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates six to ten years after completion. Value scores combine earnings potential with debt levels to assess return on investment. Rankings are based on median earnings within each major nationally, with state rankings comparing performance within New York. Debt figures represent typical borrowing levels for program graduates. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates with sufficient data for reliable outcome tracking, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported figures. Programs with fewer than 10 annual graduates are excluded from rankings. These metrics help students evaluate programs based on career outcomes rather than institutional marketing or subjective program reputation.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 41 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #165 | $85,742 | — | 26 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #144 | $67,324 | — | 14 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #220 | $66,274 | — | 43 |
Business programs show solid earning potential with variable value propositions. Business Administration graduates earn $62,958 with good value scores, while Accounting graduates achieve higher earnings at $58,924 but with lower value scores.
Digital Marketing and Banking programs complete the portfolio, with outcomes ranging from $57,000 to $58,000. Students should weigh earning potential against debt levels when selecting within this group.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | #8 | $65,129★ | — | 31 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #103 | $62,958 | $23,749 | 48 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #197 | $58,924 | — | 69 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #166 | $58,260 | — | 41 |
| Digital Marketing. | #100 | $57,478 | — | 62 |
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology program serves as SUNY New Paltz's health sciences offering, graduating 69 students with median earnings of $49,572. Ranking #54 nationally, the program provides preparation for licensed health professions, though value scores of 56.6 suggest moderate return on investment.
This field typically requires graduate study for full professional practice.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #61 | $49,572 | — | 69 |
Biology represents SUNY New Paltz's science offerings, with graduates earning $56,021 and ranking #72 nationally. The program demonstrates strong value scores of 80.7, indicating favorable outcomes relative to educational investment.
While the cohort size of 65 graduates is moderate, the combination of solid earnings and manageable debt makes this an attractive option for students pursuing scientific careers or graduate study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #69 | $56,021★ | — | 65 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #35 | $49,674 | — | 24 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #220 | $48,976 | — | 15 |
Social science programs demonstrate strong value propositions despite moderate earnings levels. Applied/Public Sociology stands out with #54 national ranking and exceptional value score of 78.2, graduating 113 students earning $45,421.
Psychology, the institution's largest program with 194 graduates, produces earnings of $48,194 with solid value scores. These programs excel at combining access with meaningful career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs. | #39 | $52,217★ | — | 33 |
| Psychology, General. | #69 | $48,194 | $27,940 | 194 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #220 | $47,318 | — | 31 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #56 | $45,421 | $13,132 | 113 |
| Applied Economics. | #210 | $43,128 | — | 21 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #96 | $25,967 | — | 10 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #173 | $19,623 | — | 12 |
Communications programs show strong performance across multiple specializations. Digital Communication and Media ranks #12 nationally and #3 in New York, producing graduates earning $45,474 with excellent value scores.
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $46,678 while ranking #64 nationally. Both programs demonstrate SUNY New Paltz's strength in preparing students for modern media and communications careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #50 | $50,893★ | — | 24 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #61 | $46,678 | $16,973 | 120 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #13 | $45,474 | $18,175 | 109 |
Humanities and arts programs reflect traditional liberal arts outcomes with variation across fields. English Language and Literature graduates earn $40,714, while American History graduates earn $39,284.
Digital Arts produces lower earnings at $33,482 but ranks highly in its specialized field (#12 nationally). These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development and creative expression over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #17 | $56,418★ | — | 31 |
| Commercial Photography. | #101 | $44,692 | — | 35 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #92 | $40,714 | $24,455 | 83 |
| American History (United States). | #146 | $39,284 | — | 58 |
| Digital Arts. | #14 | $33,482 | — | 52 |
| Acting. | #78 | $26,603 | — | 35 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | — | $26,353 | — | 5 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #252 | $25,017 | — | 38 |
| General Studies.Small sample | #200 | $21,052 | — | 17 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #179 | $15,288 | — | 18 |
Education programs represent SUNY New Paltz's strongest value propositions, with exceptional national rankings and value scores above 93. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #10 nationally with graduates earning $52,303, while Adult and Continuing Education ranks #16 nationally with $51,350 earnings.
These programs combine strong career outcomes with institutional mission to prepare skilled educators for New York schools.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #11 | $52,303★ | $26,714 | 93 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #15 | $51,350 | — | 110 |
African Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies.Small sample | #36 | $49,226★ | — | 11 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #23 | $47,738 | $24,750 | 23 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
