At $23,735/yr net price, Elmira College graduates earn $57,550/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,550/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,735 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,550/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,550/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,761/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,523/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,840/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,670/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,485 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,715 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $39,844 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,852 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
64.0% of students at Elmira College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Elmira College delivers modest financial returns with significant program variation that makes your major choice critical. The $57,550 median earnings after ten years barely justify the $23,735 annual net price, particularly when you factor in the 36% of students who don't graduate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, earning $60,485 annually with manageable $27,000 debt loads. Business administration offers middle-ground returns at $45,715, while education majors face a tougher equation at under $40,000 annually. Criminal justice represents the worst financial bet, with $33,993 earnings that struggle to cover loan payments in Elmira's limited regional job market.
You face specific risks at Elmira beyond typical small college concerns. The 73% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles for many students, and the rural New York location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses. With only 35% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited for middle-income families.
Elmira makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing with strong academic credentials, or if your family can afford the full price without borrowing heavily. The small class sizes and personal attention may justify costs for students who need extra support to complete their degree.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering education or criminal justice, need substantial financial aid, or want access to diverse career opportunities. The combination of high costs, limited regional job market, and below-average graduation rates creates too much financial risk for most students outside the nursing program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elmira College worth the cost?
Elmira College's graduates earn a median of $57,550 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $23,735 annual net price. However, the 64% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Elmira College?
Nursing programs at Elmira College offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $60,485. Business majors earn $45,715, while education and criminal justice majors see significantly lower returns at $39,844 and $33,993 respectively.
How much debt do Elmira College graduates have?
Elmira College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. Given typical starting salaries, this debt load is manageable for nursing and business majors but may strain graduates in lower-paying fields like education or criminal justice.
Should I choose Elmira College over other schools?
Elmira College accepts 96% of applicants, so admission isn't competitive. The school works best for students committed to nursing or business programs, but the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.