At $11,147/yr net price, Empire State University graduates earn $54,080/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,080/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,147 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,588 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,080/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,080/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,730 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,135/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,581/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,882/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,857/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,178/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 | $89,879 | $18,477 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,897 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $62,012 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $20,500 |
| 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 | $20,750 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $39,009 | $14,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
29.3% of students at Empire State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Empire State University delivers poor return on investment for most students, with a brutal 29% graduation rate that makes the low sticker price misleading. You face significant risk that you won't finish your degree at all.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $89,879 annually against modest debt loads. This program appears well-connected to New York's healthcare job market. Business administration shows mixed results depending on the specific track, ranging from strong returns at $69,897 down to mediocre outcomes at $48,041.
The retention numbers tell a concerning story. Nearly 55% of students leave after freshman year, suggesting either poor academic support or students discovering the programs don't match their expectations. This creates substantial financial risk if you become part of that dropout statistic.
You should consider ESU only if you're entering the nursing program or have strong certainty about completing your degree. The low net price of $11,147 makes it tempting, but incomplete degrees provide zero return. Students needing significant academic support or uncertain about their major should look elsewhere.
The financial aid picture shows only 35% of students receive aid, which is unusually low for a public institution. This suggests either limited need-based aid availability or that most students come from families just above aid thresholds. Merit scholarship opportunities appear limited based on these numbers.
For students confident in nursing or specific business tracks who can handle the academic challenges independently, ESU offers reasonable value. For everyone else, the graduation rates present too much financial risk to justify enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire State University worth the cost?
Empire State University offers decent value with a low net price of $11,147 per year and median debt of $18,730. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts overall ROI for students who don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Empire State University?
Nursing programs at Empire State University provide the strongest ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning around $89,879 annually. Business programs pay significantly less at $48,000-$69,000, while public administration graduates average $47,260.
How much debt do Empire State University graduates have?
Empire State University graduates carry a median debt of $18,730, which is manageable given the low annual net price of $11,147. The debt-to-earnings ratio works out reasonably for nursing graduates but becomes problematic for lower-paying programs.
What is the graduation rate at Empire State University?
Empire State University has a 29% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their degrees. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition, even with affordable tuition.