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 costs about $24,583 a year net, and the median graduate earns $46,145 a decade out. That earnings figure clears the median debt of $22,750, so the typical borrower is not underwater. But the return is mixed once you look at what specific programs pay.
The school specializes in forestry, natural resources, wildlife, and culinary arts. These are the programs it's built for, and the early-career salaries attached to them are low. Forestry graduates report about $38,289, and it drops from there: natural resources management at $31,996, conservation at $28,598, culinary arts at $28,381, and wildlife management at $25,774. Several of these carry more debt than they pay in first-year salary. Wildlife and conservation students take on roughly $24,000 in debt against starting earnings under $29,000. The median $46,145 figure suggests these fields do climb with experience, but the early years are lean.
The financial risk here is specific: you are training for outdoor and land-management careers that pay modestly and cluster in rural regions. If a forestry or wildlife job in the Adirondacks or a similar area is the goal, the math can work over time. If you are borrowing the full amount and expecting a fast payoff, it won't come.
Net price scales sharply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $17,089. over $110,000, it's $29,921. That lower tier still means real borrowing for most families given the modest starting salaries these programs produce.
This school fits you if you want a career in forestry or natural resources and can keep borrowing low. If you need a degree that pays back quickly or you're unsure about the field, the numbers say look elsewhere.
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.