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73.6%Acceptance
$36,756Tuition
1,075Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$58,316Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Russell Sage College

Russell Sage College builds careers in health care and education through hands-on learning. With just 1,075 students in Troy, New York, this liberal arts college creates an intimate environment where nursing and health sciences programs shine. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals.

Students pay an average of $23,027 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $51,747. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the college's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. Graduates earn a median of $58,316 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,000 manageable with monthly payments around $233. The 97.3% employment rate shows employers value Russell Sage graduates.

The Gators compete in 21 Division III sports within the Empire 8 Conference, giving 324 student-athletes chances to play without athletic scholarships. Nearly 90% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the focused, career-oriented student body who came here with clear professional goals in mind.

Academics & Faculty

Russell Sage College builds its academic reputation around nursing, education, and health sciences programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide personalized attention throughout their studies. With 67% of students graduating in four years, the college's small class sizes and focused curriculum help students stay on track. The liberal arts foundation gives students critical thinking skills while specialized programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and teacher preparation connect directly to job opportunities. Nearly all graduates find employment, with median earnings reaching $58,316 ten years after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
84.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
67.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
65.7%
Retention Rate
74.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,316
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $132,866
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $99,797
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $65,973
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $64,196
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $59,810
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $59,124
Nutrition Sciences. Master $55,286
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $54,254
Psychology, Other. Master $49,784
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $47,729

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

Russell Sage sits in Troy, a small Rust Belt city about 10 minutes from Albany and three hours north of New York City. With housing for 715 students and total enrollment of 1,075, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need a heavy winter coat for upstate New York's long, snowy winters that stretch from November through March.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. With 69.77% women, the campus skews heavily female, reflecting the college's historical roots and strong nursing and education programs. Troy's downtown offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance, but many students head to nearby Albany for bigger city amenities on weekends. The 324 student-athletes across 21 Division III sports create school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Greek life and campus organizations fill weekend social calendars, though some students complain the small size can feel limiting after a few years.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
715 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1916

Campus Safety (2023)

26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 4 3 0 0
Fondling 3 2 1 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 3
Arson 1 1 0 0
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 1 0
Rape 0 0 0 1
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–34°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
42.1"
Annual Snowfall
59.2"

Student Demographics

Russell Sage draws students who want personalized attention at a women-focused institution historically rooted in health and human services. Nearly 90% of students come from New York, reflecting the college's strong regional reputation in nursing and education. Women make up 70% of the student body, a legacy of the school's founding mission to educate women for professional careers. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio appeals to students seeking close mentorship. With 43% receiving Pell Grants, Sage serves many first-generation college students pursuing practical degrees in healthcare and teaching.
Men
30.2%
Women
69.8%
White
59.4%
Black
11.6%
Hispanic
12.0%
Asian
4.9%
In-State Students
89.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
43.3%

Location

Troy sits along the Hudson River in upstate New York, about 10 miles north of Albany and 150 miles from New York City. The historic industrial city has transformed into a tech center anchored by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute nearby. With 89.23% of Russell Sage students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the Capital Region's blend of college campuses, government offices, and growing startup scene. The city's Victorian architecture and riverfront location provide a scenic backdrop for the college's 1,075 students. Troy's compact downtown offers internship opportunities in healthcare and education that align with the college's strongest programs. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Russell Sage College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Troy, New York 12180
Russell Sage College sign
Russell Sage College sign
BushCenterRussellSageCollege
BushCenterRussellSageCollege
Robison Common, Russell Sage College, Troy, New York
Robison Common, Russell Sage College, Troy, New York

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,316
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,748
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,400
Loan Repayment Rate
59.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Russell Sage College?

Russell Sage College accepts 73.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts institution. The college values personal attention with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This small learning environment helps support students in health sciences and education programs.

How much does Russell Sage College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Russell Sage College is $23,027, lower than the full tuition of $36,756. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,692 after aid. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to accessibility.

What are the strongest academic programs at Russell Sage College?

Russell Sage College is well-known for its nursing, education, and health sciences programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. With 1,075 students total, the college maintains small class sizes ideal for hands-on learning. The semester calendar system allows for intensive study in these professional fields.

What are the career outcomes for Russell Sage College graduates?

Russell Sage College graduates earn a median salary of $58,316 ten years after graduation with a strong employment rate of 97.3%. The typical graduate carries $22,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $233. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on career-oriented programs in growing fields.

Where is Russell Sage College located and what is campus life like?

Russell Sage College sits in Troy, New York, a small city setting near Albany and the capital region. The campus houses 715 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 69.77% women enrollment, the college has historically emphasized programs that serve diverse student populations.

Does Russell Sage College offer athletic programs?

Russell Sage College fields 21 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division III as part of the Empire 8 Conference. The Gators athletic program includes 324 student-athletes who compete without athletic scholarships. This allows students to balance competitive sports with rigorous academics in professional programs.