Students at SUNY Old Westbury earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among accessible public universities.
The combination of very low net prices and higher-than-expected earnings creates exceptional value for families seeking both affordability and long-term financial success.
SUNY Old Westbury ranks as a strong public institution that excels at converting broad access into meaningful economic mobility for its graduates. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 39% are first-generation college students, yet the university consistently delivers earnings outcomes that place it in the top tier nationally for low-income student success. As a designated "Mobility Engine," Old Westbury combines wide accessibility with solid long-term financial results.
Graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds who earn around $44,600 at the 10-year mark. What makes Old Westbury especially valuable is how much better its graduates perform compared with similar students at other institutions—earning about $13,460 more than expected based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile.
Located in the New York metropolitan area, SUNY Old Westbury offers the affordability of a public institution with the economic advantages of proximity to one of the nation's largest job markets. The university's combination of low net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong earnings beyond expectations makes it an excellent choice for students who need both accessibility and reliable long-term financial outcomes.
SUNY Old Westbury's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university serving the diverse needs of the New York metropolitan area. Psychology leads in enrollment with 150 graduates and represents the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial scale with steady employment outcomes that average $34,135 in early-career earnings. While these earnings appear modest, psychology majors often pursue graduate education or enter fields with strong advancement potential.
Business and accounting programs form the financial backbone of the university's offerings. Accounting Technology, with 91 graduates, delivers some of the strongest early-career earnings at $50,742, reflecting the high demand for accounting professionals in the New York area. Business Administration majors, though fewer in number at 61 graduates, earn around $42,363 and benefit from the region's extensive business services sector.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that align well with regional employment opportunities. Students benefit from proximity to major financial centers, healthcare systems, and business districts throughout the tri-state area, which helps explain why graduates consistently exceed earnings expectations despite the university's accessible admission standards and diverse student population.
SUNY Old Westbury graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $58,526, with the university delivering about $13,460 more in earnings than similar students typically see at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects Old Westbury's ability to prepare students for careers that provide meaningful financial progress, particularly given the diverse academic and economic backgrounds of its student body.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its business and accounting programs, which form a significant part of the academic portfolio. Accounting Technology graduates, representing one of the largest programs with 91 students, earn around $50,742 early in their careers, while Business Administration majors earn approximately $42,363. Psychology, the university's largest major with 150 graduates, shows more moderate early earnings at $34,135 but represents the highest aggregate return program due to its scale and steady employment outcomes.
Old Westbury's location in the New York metropolitan area provides graduates access to diverse career opportunities across finance, business services, healthcare, and education sectors. The proximity to major employment centers helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as they can tap into higher-paying regional job markets while benefiting from the university's affordable cost structure and strong alumni networks throughout the tri-state area.
SUNY Old Westbury delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it one of the most accessible public universities in New York. Low-income students pay just $5,890 per year after aid, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs around $13,294. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $18,451 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $14,997 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,000, indicating that many families can cover substantial costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations.
What makes Old Westbury particularly sustainable financially is how well debt levels align with post-graduation earnings. With median earnings approaching $58,526 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably, and the university's strong track record of loan repayment success shows that graduates consistently meet their financial obligations while building long-term wealth.
Suny Old Westbury Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
