At $22,701/yr net price, Alfred University graduates earn $54,897/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,897/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,701 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,897/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,897/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,458/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,570/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,315/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,943/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,120/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | Master | $66,171 | $19,140 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $66,020 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $27,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $59,350 | $24,864 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $58,673 | |
| Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $26,394 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,677 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $33,993 | $32,196 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
55.5% of students at Alfred University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Alfred University delivers mixed financial results, with strong outcomes in select professional programs but concerning graduation rates that undermine the overall value proposition. Your biggest financial risk here is the 55% graduation rate, which means nearly half of students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
The engineering and education programs offer solid returns. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $60,523 annually with manageable debt loads, while Teacher Education majors hit $66,020. Public Administration tops the earnings list at $66,171 with just $19,140 in debt. Psychology and counseling programs also perform well, positioning graduates for stable career paths in growing fields.
Art and ceramics programs, which Alfred is known for, present financial challenges. Creative fields typically generate lower starting salaries, making the $26,000 median debt burden harder to justify. If you're pursuing fine arts here, have realistic salary expectations and consider minimizing borrowing.
The 77% retention rate signals that many students struggle to adjust or find their academic fit during the first year. This creates financial risk if you're uncertain about your major or college readiness. The rural location limits internship and part-time work opportunities, potentially extending your time to degree.
Alfred works financially if you're committed to one of their strong professional programs and confident in your ability to graduate. The school attracts students seeking small class sizes and personal attention, but you pay a premium for this experience. Skip Alfred if you're exploring majors, need extensive career services, or want access to major metropolitan job markets. The financial aid percentage suggests merit opportunities exist, but verify actual awards before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alfred University worth the cost?
Alfred University's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $54,897 after 10 years against a net price of $22,701 annually. The school's 55% graduation rate and $26,000 median debt suggest reasonable value for students who complete their programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Alfred University?
Public Administration ($66,171) and Teacher Education ($66,020) lead Alfred University's earnings outcomes. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $60,523, making these programs the best financial bets at the school.
How much debt do Alfred University graduates have?
Alfred University graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable given the $54,897 average earnings after 10 years. This debt-to-income ratio allows most graduates to repay loans without major financial strain.
Does Alfred University have good financial aid?
Alfred University's net price of $22,701 per year indicates decent financial aid for many students. However, the school's 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, potentially wasting aid money.