At $39,660/yr net price, Marist College graduates earn $77,819/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,819/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,660 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $158,640 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,819/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,819/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,331/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,034/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,963/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,862/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,143/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,506 | $41,310 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $79,389 | $24,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,769 | $27,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $72,509 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $72,369 | $30,625 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $63,997 | $20,656 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $22,946 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $26,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $51,829 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,464 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
79.8% of students at Marist College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Marist College delivers solid financial returns despite its $39,660 annual net price, with graduates earning a median $77,819 ten years out. Your debt load stays manageable at $25,000, creating a favorable earnings-to-debt ratio that beats many private colleges.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, producing $88,506 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $41,310. Computer Science graduates earn $79,389 with just $24,500 in debt, making it your best value proposition. The general Computer and Information Sciences track also performs well at $73,769 with $27,000 in debt.
The school's Hudson Valley location works in your favor, positioning you near both New York City finance jobs and the region's growing tech sector. This geographic advantage particularly benefits business and computer science majors who can access high-paying entry-level positions without relocating.
You face one significant financial risk: only 14.72% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit aid opportunities may be more available, but you should negotiate aggressively during admission.
Marist makes financial sense if you can afford the upfront costs without excessive borrowing and plan to study business or computer science. The 89% retention rate indicates student satisfaction, while the 80% graduation rate means you have strong odds of completing your degree. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid or want to major in fields outside the top-earning programs, where the return may not justify the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marist College worth the cost?
Marist graduates earn $77,819 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional for a $39,660 annual price tag. The moderate debt levels ($25,000 median) help offset the high cost, but return on investment varies significantly by program.
What are the best paying majors at Marist College?
Business administration leads at $88,506 in median earnings, followed by computer science at $79,389. Clinical lab science and public administration also perform well above the school average, while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
How much debt do Marist College students typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with a net price near $40,000 annually, students from middle-income families often face significant financial strain.
Does Marist College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $39,660 for a school that costs more on paper, Marist does provide some aid. The relatively low debt levels suggest the school works to keep borrowing reasonable, though the high net price still puts it out of reach for many families.