At $32,965/yr net price, Ithaca College graduates earn $63,548/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,548/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,965 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $131,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,548/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,548/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,208/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,940/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,170/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,953/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,581/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,646 | $70,954 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,575 | $21,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,666 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $62,707 | $39,024 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $59,417 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $55,338 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,899 | $24,353 |
The Risk Factor
74.1% of students at Ithaca College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ithaca College delivers mixed returns that heavily depend on your major choice. The school's computer science program stands out with strong earning potential and manageable debt levels, while rehabilitation and therapeutic professions show solid career prospects despite higher debt loads in some tracks.
Your major selection will make or break the financial case here. Computer science graduates earn well above the school median with relatively low debt burdens. Accounting programs also perform respectably, offering steady career paths with reasonable debt-to-income ratios. However, many other programs at Ithaca struggle to justify their costs, particularly in liberal arts and communications fields where earning potential lags behind the substantial investment.
The school poses specific financial risks for families counting on need-based aid. With only 19% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to the full net price. This low aid percentage suggests either a wealthy student body or limited institutional grant funding, making Ithaca financially viable primarily for families who can handle the costs without significant assistance.
Ithaca works financially if you're pursuing computer science, accounting, or select health professions and your family can manage the costs without major borrowing. The school makes less sense if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields. The 74% graduation rate means one in four students won't complete their degree, adding another layer of financial risk to consider.
Merit aid opportunities appear limited given the aid statistics, so treat the published net price as close to what you'll actually pay. This makes Ithaca primarily suitable for middle to upper-middle class families with clear career-focused academic plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ithaca College worth the debt?
With a median debt of $24,000 and average earnings of $63,548 after 10 years, Ithaca College graduates typically earn enough to manage their loans. The debt load is reasonable compared to many private colleges, though returns vary significantly by major.
What majors at Ithaca College have the best ROI?
Computer Science and Accounting programs at Ithaca College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $68,000-$72,000 annually. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions also pay well at around $63,000-$73,000 depending on specialization.
Is Ithaca College overpriced for what you get?
At $32,965 net price annually, Ithaca College costs more than most state schools but less than elite private colleges. The 74% graduation rate and decent post-graduation earnings justify the cost for students in high-paying majors, but liberal arts students may struggle with ROI.
How does Ithaca College financial aid affect the real cost?
The published net price of $32,965 already includes average financial aid, meaning most students pay this amount or more. With a 75% acceptance rate, Ithaca College offers limited merit aid compared to more selective schools.