Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,145
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Bachelor | $31,996 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $23,250 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,381 | $27,000 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $24,218 |
Outcomes Overview
Paul Smith's graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $22,750, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 0.49 when compared to their $46,145 median salary after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $241 consume about 6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 98.2% employment rate reflects strong industry connections in outdoor recreation, forestry, and environmental consulting. Many alumni find work with state parks, adventure tourism companies, and conservation organizations. The specialized Adirondack location creates a tight network of employers who actively recruit from the program. Despite the modest graduation rate of 53%, those who complete degrees see a strong return on investment.