Family & Consumer Economics at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,180/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 16 Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies programs

Program Analysis

The data on this program highlights a crucial dynamic: while the coursework touches on important areas like personal finance and consumer behavior, many entry-level roles in this field often fall into community services, non-profits, or public education. These sectors, particularly within a regional economy like Buffalo, frequently offer more modest starting compensation compared to corporate finance or specialized consulting. Your career path here might initially involve supporting financial literacy programs, community outreach, or home management education, rather than high-earning financial advisory roles which typically require additional certifications or advanced degrees. Furthermore, certain tasks within these broad fields are increasingly susceptible to automation, contributing to the noted AI risk. To elevate your trajectory, proactively seek internships that align with your highest earning aspirations, and be prepared to pursue further specialization or certifications immediately after graduation if you aim for the more lucrative financial advisory positions.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Family & Consumer Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $463K $466K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.7x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.2x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,916
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,691
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,460
44% growth from Year 1

About SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Buffalo State University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,358 in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo State University →

Top Career Paths

Personal financial advisors $102,140/yr
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Farm and home management educators $58,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Family & Consumer Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY Buffalo State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SUNY Buffalo State University's Family & Consumer Economics program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Family & Consumer Economics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Family & Consumer Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Family & Consumer Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Family & Consumer Economics earnings lower at SUNY Buffalo State University?
Lower starting pay at SUNY Buffalo State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →