At $26,027/yr net price, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduates earn $131,426/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $97,426/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,027 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $131,426/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$97,426/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,549/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,891/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,173/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,715/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,708/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $123,587 | $66,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.8% of students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences delivers strong financial returns for pharmacy students but creates significant risk for those in other programs. Your career prospects depend entirely on which degree you pursue at this specialized institution.
The pharmacy program justifies its high debt load with median earnings of $123,587, making the $66,000 in typical borrowing manageable for most graduates. Clinical laboratory science offers solid middle-class earnings at $63,005 with much lower debt burdens. However, some pharmacy tracks show concerning outcomes with earnings below $30,000 despite substantial borrowing.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the school's narrow focus. If you change your mind about healthcare or struggle academically in science-heavy coursework, you have limited options to pivot within the institution. The 68% graduation rate signals that not everyone who starts will finish, leaving some with debt but no degree.
This school makes financial sense if you're certain about pursuing pharmacy or clinical lab work and can handle rigorous science requirements. The regional job market in upstate New York supports healthcare graduates, though you may need to relocate for the best opportunities.
Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense given the school's specialized applicant pool. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly and avoiding program switches that extend your time to degree.
Skip Albany College of Pharmacy if you're exploring healthcare options or want a broader college experience. The financial commitment only pays off when you complete a high-earning program like pharmacy or clinical laboratory science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences worth the cost?
For pharmacy students, yes - graduates earn $123,587 ten years out, which justifies the $26,027 annual cost. However, other programs like clinical lab sciences pay significantly less at $63,005, making the value proposition much weaker.
What is the return on investment for Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences?
The ROI varies dramatically by program. Pharmacy graduates see strong returns with six-figure salaries, but the 68% graduation rate means nearly one in three students don't finish. Students should seriously consider their chosen program before enrolling.
How much debt do Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduates have?
The median debt is $25,500, which is manageable for pharmacy graduates earning $123,000+ but problematic for those in lower-paying health science programs. Students in non-pharmacy tracks face significant debt-to-income challenges.
Are Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduates employable?
Pharmacy graduates have strong employment prospects with high salaries, but the school's 68% graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their programs. Success depends heavily on which specific program you choose and whether you actually graduate.