Students at SUNY Geneseo achieve earnings that place the college among the top-performing public institutions nationwide, reflecting the value of its selective liberal arts approach.
Graduates consistently outperform typical public university outcomes while maintaining manageable debt levels and excellent repayment success.
SUNY Geneseo delivers exceptional value as a selective public liberal arts college, combining academic rigor with strong financial outcomes. The institution serves as a standout example of how a smaller public college can compete with elite private institutions on graduate earnings while maintaining reasonable costs. With median 10-year earnings of $67,316, Geneseo graduates significantly outperform typical public university outcomes, placing the college in the top 20% nationally for long-term return on investment.
What makes Geneseo particularly compelling is its selective admissions profile combined with broad program strength. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a liberal arts foundation that translates into versatile career preparation. The college's location in western New York provides access to regional employment markets while maintaining the intimate campus environment that defines the best liberal arts experiences.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Geneseo demonstrates how academic selectivity can drive strong outcomes without sacrificing accessibility for qualified students. The combination of rigorous academics, reasonable costs, and excellent graduate earnings makes it an attractive option for families seeking a premium educational experience at public university prices.
SUNY Geneseo's program portfolio reflects the breadth and depth of a strong liberal arts college, with outcomes that vary significantly by field but generally support long-term career success. Psychology and Biology dominate enrollment, with 175 and 150 graduates respectively, serving as popular foundation majors for students pursuing diverse career paths including graduate school, healthcare, education, and social services. While early-career earnings in these fields appear modest—$31,314 for Psychology and $20,748 for Biology—many graduates use these degrees as stepping stones to advanced education or specialized training that drives higher long-term earning potential.
The college's business and professional programs deliver more immediate financial returns. Accounting Technology graduates earn $56,114 early in their careers, reflecting strong employer demand for these practical skills in regional and national job markets. This program represents Geneseo's ability to combine liberal arts breadth with professional preparation, giving students both analytical thinking skills and marketable technical competencies.
What distinguishes Geneseo is how its liberal arts foundation serves students across all majors. Even programs with lower early-career earnings, such as American Government and Politics, provide students with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that prove valuable in diverse career paths including law, public service, business, and nonprofit work. The college's strong alumni network and reputation help graduates access competitive opportunities that may not be immediately reflected in early-career salary data but contribute to long-term professional success.
SUNY Geneseo graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that reflect the value of a selective liberal arts education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $67,316, placing the college well above typical public university outcomes and in the top 20% nationally for earnings performance. This strong showing demonstrates how Geneseo's academic rigor and career preparation translate into meaningful financial advantages for graduates.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across Geneseo's liberal arts portfolio. Psychology, the college's largest program with 175 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return despite more moderate individual earnings of $31,314. Biology, another popular major with 150 graduates, shows early-career earnings of $20,748 as many students pursue graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research. The strongest individual earnings come from business-related fields, with Accounting Technology graduates earning $56,114 early in their careers, reflecting the immediate market value of professional skills.
The college's liberal arts foundation serves students well across diverse career paths, from education and social services to business and healthcare. Many graduates leverage Geneseo's strong academic reputation and alumni network to access competitive graduate programs or professional opportunities that drive long-term earning potential beyond what early-career figures might suggest.
SUNY Geneseo offers reasonable affordability across income levels, though costs reflect its position as a selective institution within the SUNY system. Low-income students pay approximately $9,369 annually, a manageable figure that places the college among more affordable options for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families face net prices around $15,180, while higher-income students pay about $23,488 per year, reflecting the college's limited need-based aid for families with greater financial resources.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable given graduate earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt of $19,500 aligns well with Geneseo's strong earnings outcomes, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,195, a reasonable level that reflects many families' willingness to invest in Geneseo's premium educational experience. The college's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by strong career outcomes and financial literacy.
What makes Geneseo particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between moderate borrowing and strong earning potential. With median earnings approaching $67,316 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably service their debt while building long-term financial security, making the initial investment in a Geneseo education financially sound for most families.
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Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
