SUNY ESF Celebrates Class of 2025 with Standout Career Success and 91% Placement Rate

Graduates secure strong employment outcomes, rising salaries, and top placements with leading employers and graduate programs

07/09/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — July 9, 2026 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Class of 2025 is translating an ESF education into career success at an impressive rate, with 91% of graduates reporting employment or continued education following graduation, according to the College’s First Destination Survey.

The survey tracked 424 graduates from December 2024, May 2025 and August 2025, representing an 82.8% knowledge rate among the 512 members of the graduating class. Results showed that 67% secured full-time employment and 20% continued their education, contributing to an overall career outcomes rate of 91% and reflecting strong demand for ESF graduates and the College's commitment to career readiness and graduate school preparation.

“Our students complete exceptional academic programs and meaningful internships that set them apart in the job market, and they are in high demand upon graduation, as evidenced by our outstanding job placement rate,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “The remarkable success of the Class of 2025 is a testament to the quality of an ESF education and the commitment of our faculty and staff to preparing graduates for impactful careers and advanced study in service of a more sustainable future.”

Key Highlights Include:

• 90% of graduates secured employment within six months of graduation
• Average starting salary for undergraduate degree recipients rose to $58,000
• 81% of employed graduates found positions through campus connections, including internships, faculty mentorship, employer partnerships, alumni networks, and career development programs

Graduates from the Class of 2025 have secured positions with a wide range of respected employers, including Arcadis, National Grid, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, Ramboll, and Kiewit, among others.

“The success of our graduates reflects the dedication of our students and the strong support of faculty, alumni, donors, and employer partners. We are proud to see them launch meaningful careers, continue their education, and make a positive impact on a more sustainable future,” said Brenda Greenfield, chief advancement officer.

“What stands out most is that more than 80 percent of employed graduates found opportunities through connections they developed during their time at ESF, demonstrating the power of experiential learning, mentorship, and professional engagement. This success reflects the extraordinary commitment of our students, faculty, alumni, and employer partners,” said John Turbeville, director of career services and corporate engagement. “We are proud to see our graduates launching meaningful careers and advancing their education at institutions and organizations that are shaping a more sustainable future.”

Many ESF alumni also chose to continue their education at institutions including Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania and ESF.

ESF extends its sincere appreciation to the faculty, staff, and partners who contributed to supporting students and tracking outcomes over the past year. Most importantly, the College congratulates the Class of 2025 on its achievements and continued success.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.