At $23,027/yr net price, Russell Sage College graduates earn $58,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,027 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,108 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,692/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,863/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,393/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,639/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,668/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $132,866 | $44,276 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,797 | $43,307 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $65,973 | $129,487 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,196 | $72,332 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,810 | $21,960 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,124 | $35,864 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Master | $55,286 | $40,790 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $54,254 | |
| Psychology, Other. | Master | $49,784 | $38,374 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,729 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.7% of students at Russell Sage College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Russell Sage College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's nursing and education programs justify their costs, while several other popular programs saddle graduates with debt burdens that outweigh their earning potential.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation here. Educational administration graduates earn $132,866 annually, making the $44,276 debt load manageable. Nursing offers two distinct paths with the lower-debt option ($21,960) providing better value at $59,810 in earnings than the higher-debt track. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic programs present serious red flags, with one track requiring $129,487 in debt for $65,973 in annual earnings.
The school's 65% graduation rate creates immediate financial risk since you only benefit from your investment if you complete your degree. The 75% retention rate suggests nearly one in four students transfers or drops out after freshman year, potentially leaving them with debt but no credential.
Russell Sage works financially if you pursue nursing or education and can complete your degree. The relatively low median debt of $22,000 across all programs suggests the school manages costs reasonably for most students. However, certain specialized programs carry debt loads that exceed what the local Capital Region job market can support.
Skip this school if you plan to study rehabilitation fields or cannot commit to finishing your degree. The combination of moderate regional wages and program-specific debt burdens creates long-term repayment challenges. Consider Russell Sage only if you have clear career goals in nursing or education and can handle the completion requirements successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russell Sage College worth the cost?
Russell Sage College offers mixed value depending on your major. Nursing and educational administration graduates earn strong salaries ($99,797 and $132,866), but other programs may not justify the $23,027 annual cost given the overall median earnings of $58,316.
What majors at Russell Sage College have the best ROI?
Educational administration leads with $132,866 median earnings, followed by nursing programs at nearly $100,000. Rehabilitation and therapy programs show weaker returns at $64,000-$66,000, which may not offset the debt load for many students.
How much debt do Russell Sage College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $22,000, which is manageable for high-earning majors like nursing but concerning for lower-paying programs. With a 65% graduation rate, about one-third of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.
Does Russell Sage College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $23,027 suggests decent aid for a private college, but this still requires careful consideration. Students should compare this cost against expected earnings in their specific program rather than the school's overall average.