Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at SUNY Oneonta vary significantly by field of study, with some programs delivering exceptional national rankings while others provide solid regional preparation. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data rather than reputation or prestige measures.
Analyzing 29 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate standout performance across earnings, national recognition, and student enrollment.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Suny Oneonta.
Business programs at SUNY Oneonta deliver exceptional outcomes with Business/Managerial Economics ranking #8 nationally and #1 in New York State. Graduates earn a median of $69,125 with strong value scores of 85.7, making this the institution's flagship program.
These programs stand out for students prioritizing strong earnings potential and national recognition in their field of study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services.Small sample | — | $90,128★ | — |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes rather than academic reputation, using Department of Education earnings data for graduates 4-6 years after completion. Value scores incorporate both earnings levels and debt burdens to assess overall return on investment. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same field of study, providing context for career outcomes across institutions. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. Note that earnings reflect early-career outcomes and may not capture long-term potential, particularly for programs requiring graduate education or professional licensure. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and advanced education requirements when evaluating academic programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| 12 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | — | $70,986 | $26,597 | 133 |
Clinical Nutrition ranks #2 nationally and #2 in New York State despite smaller cohort sizes of 27 graduates. With a value score of 96.0 and median earnings of $55,178, this program delivers exceptional outcomes for students pursuing nutrition and dietetics careers, though limited enrollment suggests competitive internal selection.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | — | $64,048 | — | 22 |
Biology ranks #91 nationally with 107 graduates earning $52,338, offering solid preparation for healthcare careers and graduate study. Environmental Science serves smaller cohorts with earnings of $42,721.
These programs balance preparation for immediate employment with foundation building for professional school applications and advanced study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics.Small sample | — | $80,041★ | — | 8 |
| Mathematics. | — | $72,651 | — | 23 |
| Biology, General. | — | $71,874 | $17,222 | 106 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $64,410 | — | 15 |
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $38,289 | — | 7 |
Psychology ranks #82 nationally with 162 graduates earning $47,204, representing strong enrollment demand. American Government and Politics produces smaller cohorts earning $58,170.
These programs provide solid preparation for graduate study and public service careers, with outcomes varying by specific career path and advanced education decisions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government.Small sample | — | $66,572★ | — | 19 |
| Geography and Cartography.Small sample | — | $57,154 | — | 17 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $55,981 | — | 15 |
| Sociology. | — | $53,396 | — | 30 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $51,355 | $18,132 | 181 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies.Small sample | — | $31,455 | — | 7 |
Communication and Media Studies represents the institution's largest program with 186 graduates annually, ranking #91 nationally. While earnings of $41,376 are modest, the program's scale and value score of 64.7 indicate solid preparation for media careers.
This path suits students prioritizing creative fields over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $57,447 | $19,836 | 138 |
English and Digital Arts programs serve modest cohorts with earnings around $42,000-$44,000. Digital Arts ranks #6 nationally despite smaller enrollment, while Arts and Entertainment Management ranks #3 nationally.
These programs prioritize creative development and cultural preparation over immediate earning potential, suiting students with artistic and literary interests.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History. | — | $54,151★ | — | 22 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | — | $48,926 | $17,400 | 16 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management. | — | $47,324 | $28,974 | 49 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | — | $47,321 | — | 30 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $33,299 | — | 9 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $28,598 | — | 10 |
Education programs demonstrate outstanding national performance with Adult and Continuing Education ranking #10 nationally and Agricultural Teacher Education at #7 nationally. Both programs combine manageable debt levels with solid mid-career earnings around $51,000-$56,000.
These programs are well-suited for students seeking teaching careers with strong preparation and reasonable financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $66,128★ | $17,000 | 90 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $58,496 | $17,716 | 179 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 25K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $25,194 | — | 29 |
Corrections Administration ranks #6 nationally and #2 in New York State, producing 92 graduates annually with median earnings of $59,313. With a remarkable value score of 97.4, this program offers exceptional return on investment for students interested in law enforcement and corrections careers, combining strong earnings with excellent national recognition.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $58,964 | $19,964 | 57 |
Adult Development and Aging, Applied Sociology, and Exercise Science serve specialized career paths with varied outcomes. Exercise Science shows lower earnings at $36,119, while other programs range from $44,000-$46,000.
These programs suit students with specific career interests rather than those prioritizing general earning potential across multiple fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | — | $53,836★ | $25,176 | 57 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $36,119 | — | 67 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services.Small sample | — | $31,624 | — | 6 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.Small sample | — | $25,126 | — | 15 |
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.
