At $16,055/yr net price, Maria College of Albany graduates earn $55,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,458/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,055 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,458/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,528 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,360/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,516/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,068/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,018/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 | $78,343 | $26,792 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,248 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,351 | $19,371 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Maria College of Albany graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Maria College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. Your career earnings potential depends heavily on which major you choose at this Albany-based health sciences college.
Nursing graduates earn $60,248 to $78,343 annually, making the program's debt load manageable despite borrowing up to $26,792. These salaries reflect strong demand for nurses in upstate New York's healthcare market. Allied health and medical assisting graduates face a tougher financial reality, earning just $35,351 while carrying $19,371 in debt.
The 43% graduation rate signals serious completion risk. You face significant odds of leaving without a degree while still owing money. The zero percent retention rate from freshman to sophomore year indicates severe problems with student support or program structure.
Maria College makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing and confident you'll complete the program. The relatively low net price of $16,055 helps offset completion risks for nursing students who can expect solid middle-class earnings. Avoid this school if you're considering allied health programs, where weak earnings make debt repayment difficult.
The 41% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. You'll likely pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for need-based aid. Given the completion risks, you should have backup funding sources and be absolutely certain about your major before enrolling.
Look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or aren't laser-focused on healthcare careers. Maria College works best for older students or career changers who need nursing credentials and can handle the program's demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maria College of Albany worth the cost for nursing students?
Yes, if you complete the nursing program. Nursing graduates from Maria College earn around $78,000 annually, which easily justifies the $16,055 yearly cost and typical $20,528 debt load.
What is the return on investment for Maria College of Albany graduates?
ROI varies dramatically by program. Nursing graduates do well with $78,000 salaries, but allied health graduates average only $35,000, making debt repayment challenging.
How risky is attending Maria College of Albany financially?
Moderate to high risk due to the 43% graduation rate. With nearly 6 out of 10 students not finishing, you could end up with debt but no degree.
Do Maria College of Albany graduates get good financial aid?
The $16,055 net price suggests decent aid for a private college. However, the low graduation rate means many students may lose aid eligibility before completing their programs.