Empire State University: $7,630 Tuition

$7,630Tuition

7,046Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,080Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Empire State University

Empire State University focuses heavily on distance learning while serving 7,046 students in the historic horse racing town of Saratoga Springs. The public university operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing for flexible pacing through degree programs. With women making up 66% of the student body, the campus draws primarily from within New York state, as 91% of students are in-state residents. The Bluebirds compete in athletics, though academics remain the primary draw for this education-focused institution.

Students pay an average net price of $11,147 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in New York's public system. In-state students pay $7,630 in tuition while out-of-state students face $17,540. Graduates earn a median of $54,080 ten years after leaving school, with typical monthly loan payments of $199 on $18,730 in debt. The employment rate hits 92.4%, suggesting strong job placement despite concerning academic outcomes.

The numbers reveal significant retention challenges, with only 46% of students returning for their second year. Just 27% graduate within four years and 29% within six years. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, but the low graduation rates suggest students struggle to complete their programs successfully.

Academics & Faculty

Empire State University operates as a public university with a strong focus on distance learning and flexible degree programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university is known for serving non-traditional students, including working adults and those seeking career changes. Only 27% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the part-time nature of many enrollments. ESU specializes in individualized study programs where students can design their own majors. The trimester calendar system allows for accelerated progress. The university attracts students seeking alternatives to traditional campus-based education through its extensive online and hybrid program offerings.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 25.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.3%
Retention Rate: 46.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,080
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$89,879
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$69,897
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Certificate	$62,012
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$48,041
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other.	Bachelor	$47,260
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Bachelor	$45,852
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.	Bachelor	$41,937
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$39,009
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$38,289
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$38,289

View all 94 programs →

Campus Life

The trimester calendar keeps students busy year-round at this distance learning-focused public university. With 91% of the 7,046 students coming from New York State, most study from home rather than relocating to the small Saratoga Springs campus. The area sits about 30 minutes north of Albany, where winters require heavy coats and snow boots from December through March.

Women make up 66% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in health sciences and education programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means online class discussions stay manageable, though the 46% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the self-discipline required for distance learning. Students typically balance coursework with jobs or family responsibilities since this format attracts working adults and parents. Weekend study groups happen virtually rather than in campus lounges. The employment rate of 92% shows graduates find work, though the 29% six-year graduation rate indicates many take longer to finish degrees while juggling other commitments.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Calendar System: Trimester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–31°F
July Avg: 59°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.0"
Annual Snowfall: 63.4"

Student Demographics

Empire State University draws mostly New York residents, with over 90% coming from in-state. The student body is nearly two-thirds women, reflecting the school's strength in education, human services, and health programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and working-class families. The diverse mix includes roughly equal numbers of Black and Hispanic students alongside white students. Most students are older working adults who appreciate the flexible distance learning options and practical career-focused programs that fit around job and family responsibilities.

Men: 34.0%
Women: 66.0%
White: 49.2%
Black: 15.4%
Hispanic: 15.4%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 91.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.0%

Location

Empire State University sits in Saratoga Springs, New York, about 30 miles north of Albany and 180 miles north of New York City. The historic spa town draws visitors for its famous horse racing track and natural mineral springs. With 91% of students coming from within New York state, most are familiar with the region's mix of small-town charm and cultural attractions. Saratoga Springs balances college life with year-round tourism, creating a unique environment where students share the community with racing enthusiasts and wellness seekers. The Adirondack Mountains lie just to the north, offering outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Empire State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-4391

Empire State College coordinating center

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,080
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,241
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,730

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the graduation rates at Empire State University?

Empire State University has a 29.30% six-year graduation rate and a 27.25% four-year graduation rate. The school focuses heavily on distance learning and serves many non-traditional students who often take longer to complete their degrees. The trimester calendar system allows for accelerated completion for motivated students.

How much does Empire State University cost after financial aid?

Empire State University's average net price is $11,147, making it quite affordable for most students. In-state tuition is $7,630 while out-of-state students pay $17,540. The school keeps costs low as part of the SUNY system, though only 35% of students receive financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Empire State University?

Empire State University maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,046 total students. The university is known for its modern distance learning programs and flexible degree options. Students can often work directly with faculty mentors to design individualized study plans.

What do Empire State University graduates earn after college?

Empire State University graduates earn a median of $54,080 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $199. The employment rate is strong at 92.4%, reflecting the school's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Graduates often work in fields like business, education, and human services.

Where is Empire State University located and what is campus life like?

Empire State University is based in Saratoga Springs, New York, a small suburban community. The student body is 66% women and 91.16% in-state students, creating a close-knit community feel. The school's Bluebirds teams compete in various sports, though many students participate through distance learning rather than traditional campus life.

Does Empire State University offer distance learning options?

Empire State University is specifically designed as a public university with a distance learning focus, serving students across New York State. The trimester calendar system provides flexibility for working adults and non-traditional students. This modern approach allows students to earn degrees while managing work and family commitments.