Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at SUNY Plattsburgh vary significantly by field of study, with notable strengths in health professions, specialized education tracks, and environmental sciences. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 35 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings performance, national rankings, and value delivery at SUNY Plattsburgh.
#128 nationally
$47K median earnings
Earnings outcomes cluster around program type, with health professions leading at $79,280 for nursing, followed by financial services at $72,486. Education and environmental programs deliver solid mid-range earnings around $53,000-$57,000, while liberal arts programs typically produce more modest initial earnings in the $30,000-$45,000 range.
Several programs achieve notable national recognition, led by Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia at #15 nationally and Adult and Continuing Education at #17. Environmental Science ranks #33 nationally and impressively #3 in New York state. These rankings reflect outcomes-based performance rather than reputation or selectivity measures, providing insight into programs that effectively translate education into career success.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Suny College At Plattsburgh.
Artificial Intelligence. leads engineering & technology with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence.Small sample | #196 | $57,401 | — | 14 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic prestige or input measures. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 6-10 years after completion, ensuring outcomes represent established career patterns rather than entry-level positions. Rankings compare programs against national cohorts of similar majors, providing context for relative performance. Debt figures represent median borrowing levels where available, though many programs lack sufficient debt data for reporting. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion data to assess overall program effectiveness. These rankings help students evaluate programs based on career outcomes while recognizing that individual results vary based on personal factors, geographic preferences, and career choices beyond institutional control.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores highlight programs that effectively balance earnings outcomes with educational costs and completion rates. Adult and Continuing Education leads with a 92.7 value score, followed by Digital Communication (77.8) and Environmental Science (76.3). These metrics combine multiple outcome measures to identify programs delivering exceptional return on educational investment.
Health Professions programs show excellent debt capacity with payments under 8% of discretionary income. Business and Environmental Science programs maintain good affordability with payments between 8-12% of discretionary income. Psychology and Communications programs require more careful debt management, with payments reaching 12-18% of discretionary income levels.
Business programs span a range of earnings outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading at $72,486, followed by Business Administration at $55,355. Digital Marketing and Accounting programs cluster around $48,000-$53,000 in median earnings.
These programs offer diverse pathways into business careers, with financial services tracks showing particularly strong outcomes. Students should consider specialization focus when evaluating program options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #115 | $72,486★ | — | 24 |
| Information Resources Management.Small sample | #85 | $60,866 | — | 18 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #173 | $55,355 | — | 174 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #201 | $52,647 | — | 85 |
| Digital Marketing. | #189 | $48,402 | — | 44 |
| International Business.Small sample | #63 | $41,565 | — | 17 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #85 | $33,807 | — | 25 |
Health programs at SUNY Plattsburgh deliver exceptional earnings outcomes and strong national recognition. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with $79,280 median earnings and ranks #125 nationally, while Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology provides solid preparation at $49,846.
These programs consistently produce graduates who enter high-demand healthcare careers with strong earning potential. Students pursuing health professions can expect substantial return on educational investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #128 | $79,280★ | — | 104 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | — | $64,493 | — | 8 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #101 | $49,846 | — | 25 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.Small sample | #21 | $49,262 | — | 15 |
Biology, General produces graduates earning $47,339, though ranking lower nationally due to competitive field dynamics. Science programs provide solid preparation for both workforce entry and graduate study continuation, with approximately 25% of graduates pursuing advanced degrees.
Students in sciences benefit from research opportunities and diverse career pathway preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #237 | $47,339★ | — | 62 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology.Small sample | — | $40,039 | — | 6 |
Psychology, General and Forensic Social Work represent this category, with outcomes ranging from $40,477 to $46,466. These programs serve students interested in human services and behavioral sciences, though earnings tend toward the lower end of institutional ranges.
Programs prepare students for both direct service careers and graduate study in related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #135 | $65,176★ | — | 20 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #175 | $52,670 | — | 23 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #136 | $47,882 | — | 14 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #80 | $46,466 | — | 30 |
| Psychology, General. | #232 | $40,477 | $15,260 | 93 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #167 | $19,227 | — | 16 |
Communications programs show varied outcomes, with Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia ranking #15 nationally and delivering strong value scores, while Broadcast Journalism produces more modest earnings at $35,337. The digital media track demonstrates particular strength and relevance to current industry demands.
Students should consider specialization carefully based on career goals and market conditions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising.Small sample | #41 | $54,719★ | — | 14 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #14 | $46,695 | $32,600 | 77 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other.Small sample | #252 | $36,916 | — | 17 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #107 | $35,337 | — | 26 |
Liberal arts programs including English Language and Literature, Art History, and General Studies produce earnings ranging from $30,628 to $44,768. These programs emphasize critical thinking and communication skills valuable across diverse careers, though initial earnings may be more modest.
Students often pursue these fields for intellectual fulfillment and graduate study preparation rather than immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #101 | $44,768★ | — | 27 |
| Creative Writing.Small sample | #45 | $34,508 | — | 11 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 5 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #280 | $32,300 | — | 28 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #210 | $30,628 | — | 29 |
| American History (United States). | #303 | $21,508 | — | 24 |
Education programs at SUNY Plattsburgh excel in both national rankings and earnings performance. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #17 nationally with exceptional value scores and $57,485 median earnings.
This specialized track demonstrates the institution's strength in preparing educators for diverse learning environments. Education graduates benefit from strong regional employment networks and competitive compensation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #17 | $57,485 | — | 44 |
Environmental Science ranks #33 nationally and #3 in New York state, delivering strong earnings of $53,049 with exceptional value scores of 76.3. This program reflects SUNY Plattsburgh's geographic advantages and regional expertise in environmental issues.
Students benefit from fieldwork opportunities and strong connections to environmental employers throughout the Northeast region.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #35 | $53,049 | — | 45 |
Corrections Administration stands out with impressive #47 national ranking and strong value score of 75.9, producing graduates earning $51,302. This specialized program reflects SUNY Plattsburgh's regional strength in public service careers and law enforcement preparation.
Students entering this field benefit from strong regional employment connections and solid career advancement potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #45 | $51,302 | $22,682 | 80 |
Adult Development and Aging. leads other & interdisciplinary with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Development and Aging. | #48 | $42,440★ | — | 23 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #86 | $26,353 | — | 10 |
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.
