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's ROI is mixed, and where you land depends almost entirely on your major. The $54,897 median earnings ten years out sit close to the roughly $22,700 net price, which means the payoff is real but slow, especially with a 55.5% graduation rate. If you leave without the degree, you carry debt and get none of the earnings bump.
The engineering programs are where the money is. Mechanical Engineering graduates clear $60,523, and Ceramic Sciences and Engineering, Alfred's signature field, brings $55,964. Both come with debt in the $26,000-$27,000 range, but the earnings justify it. Alfred's ceramics program is unusual, and if that field draws you, this is a reasonable place to spend the money.
The rest of the picture is weak. Allied Health, Communication and Media Studies, and Criminal Justice all land at $29,685 ten years out. That number barely clears what you'd earn without a degree, and you'd still owe the debt. If you're heading into one of these majors, the math here does not work in your favor, and a cheaper public option deserves a hard look.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k income, you pay about $15,458. above $110k, it jumps to roughly $27,120. The gap between the $48-75k and $75-110k tiers is steep, so middle-income families feel the cost sharply without the deepest aid.
Alfred is a good financial fit if you're set on engineering or ceramics and can finish in four years. If you're drawn to the communication, health-support, or criminal justice tracks, the salary data says look elsewhere. The 76.69% retention rate is a caution: budget for the risk that you or your student may not make it to graduation.
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.