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 gives you a solid but not spectacular financial return. At a net price near $40,000 a year, you pay real money, but a median debt of $25,000 stays under what your first-year earnings can cover. The 79.8% graduation rate and 89.4% retention rate matter here: you are likely to finish, which is the single biggest factor in whether the price pays off. Debt only hurts you if you leave without a degree, and most people who start here don't.
Computer Science is the clear winner. You come out earning close to $80,000 while carrying less debt than the economics graduate who earns more than $20,000 less. Computer and Information Sciences and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science also clear $72,000. Accounting and economics sit lower, in the high $50,000s to low $60,000s, and economics pairs that weaker payoff with $26,000 in debt. If you major in economics, you take on the most debt for the least return of the programs listed. Marist sits in the Hudson Valley within reach of New York City, which helps the tech and finance-adjacent tracks more than others.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $25,300, versus $43,100 if you earn over $110,000 , an $18,000 annual gap. Even the lowest tier isn't cheap, so run the numbers against your expected major.
Marist fits you if you're aiming at Computer Science, the CIS track, or lab science and can graduate on time. If you're set on economics or a lower-paying field and would borrow the full amount, the math gets thin, and a cheaper public option deserves a look before you commit.
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.