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 gives you a mixed financial picture: a sticker net price near the top of the private-college range, but median debt held to a manageable level and a solid graduation rate that means most who enroll actually finish and start earning.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Computer science graduates out-earn every other program here and carry the lowest debt of the group, making it the clearest win. Accounting also lands you comfortably above the school's median earnings. Below that, the returns thin out fast. The communications and public relations programs Ithaca is known for pay the least of the listed majors while costing you nearly the same debt, so a degree in that field puts you around $40,000 a decade out. Teacher education sits in the same weak tier. If you're drawn to Ithaca for its media and communications reputation, go in knowing those paths trail the STEM and business options by roughly $20,000 to $30,000 a year.
The main risk is cost against outcome. You're paying a private-college net price for a median result that many lower-cost schools match. If you borrow the typical amount and land in a low-earning major, the math gets tight.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: if your household earns under $48,000, you pay noticeably less than a family over $110,000, whose price climbs above the average. But even the discounted floor for the lowest earners stays above $22,000 a year, so no income bracket here gets a cheap degree.
Ithaca fits you if you're targeting computer science or accounting, or if you qualify for the lower-income pricing. If you're paying full freight for a communications or education degree, price out cheaper alternatives first.
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.