At $24,583/yr net price, Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science graduates earn $46,145/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,145/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,583 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,145/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,145/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,089/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,075/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,178/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,604/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,921/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science 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
Paul Smiths College delivers weak financial returns that rarely justify its $24,583 annual cost. With median earnings of $46,145 ten years after graduation, you face a concerning gap between what you pay and what you earn.
The school's strongest program, Forestry, pays just $38,289 annually - barely above the national median for high school graduates. Natural Resources Management follows at $31,996, while Wildlife Science graduates earn only $25,774. Even accounting for the Adirondack region's lower cost of living, these salaries struggle to support typical loan payments.
The 53% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The culinary program particularly underperforms at $28,381 in earnings despite $27,000 in typical debt.
This school works financially only for specific situations: students with substantial family funding who prioritize the outdoor lifestyle over earnings, or those planning graduate school where the specific degree matters less. The small size and Adirondack location limit networking opportunities that might offset lower salaries.
You should look elsewhere if you need student loans to attend or expect your degree to provide financial mobility. State schools offer similar environmental programs at much lower cost. Only 37% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families who need it most.
Consider Paul Smiths only if you can afford the full cost without borrowing and value the outdoor experience over financial returns. For career-focused students, the return on investment simply does not add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science worth the cost?
Paul Smiths College struggles with ROI - graduates earn $46,145 after 10 years while paying $24,583 annually. With a 53% graduation rate and median debt of $22,750, the financial return is weak compared to most colleges.
Which programs at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science have the best job prospects?
Forestry offers the strongest earnings at $38,289, while other natural resource programs pay $25,000-32,000. Culinary arts graduates earn around $28,381, which is low given the program's costs.
How much debt do Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science graduates typically have?
The median debt is $22,750, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, the low starting salaries make even this amount challenging to repay quickly.
What is the graduation rate at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?
Only 53% of students graduate from Paul Smiths College, meaning nearly half don't complete their degree. This below-average completion rate adds significant financial risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.