At $32,697/yr net price, Siena College graduates earn $76,079/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,079/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,697 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $130,788 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,079/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,079/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,561 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,588/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,414/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,940/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,049/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $62,734 | $22,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,425 | $20,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $25,966 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 | $26,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,436 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $23,250 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,565 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $45,128 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,674 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
75.8% of students at Siena College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Siena College delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of $76,079 ten years out. The net price of $32,697 creates a reasonable payback timeline for most graduates, though your major choice will significantly impact your financial outcome.
Computer science leads Siena's earnings potential at $62,734 annually with relatively low debt of $22,250. Accounting follows closely at $59,425 with even less debt at $20,500, making it the strongest ROI program. Management sciences and finance also provide decent returns, though finance graduates carry slightly more debt. Mathematics rounds out the top earners but at $49,436, the gap between top and bottom performers is substantial.
Your biggest financial risk at Siena is choosing a major outside the business and STEM programs. The school's location in the Albany region provides decent job opportunities for business graduates, particularly in accounting and finance roles with state government and regional firms. However, liberal arts majors may struggle to justify the private school premium in this job market.
Siena works financially for students targeting business careers who value smaller class sizes and strong alumni networks in New York's Capital Region. The 84% retention rate suggests students find good value once enrolled. However, if you need significant financial aid, look elsewhere. Only 23% of students receive aid, indicating limited need-based assistance.
Skip Siena if you want to major in liberal arts, social sciences, or humanities. The high net price makes little sense for fields with lower earning potential, especially when SUNY schools offer similar outcomes at much lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Siena College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Siena College graduates earn $76,079 after 10 years, which is modest for a $32,697 annual net price. The school's 80% acceptance rate and strong graduation rate of 76% suggest decent outcomes, but the financial return doesn't stand out among similar private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Siena College?
Computer Science leads at $62,734 in early career earnings, followed by Accounting at $59,425. Finance and Math majors earn significantly less at around $50,000, making program choice critical for ROI at Siena.
How much student debt do Siena College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $26,561, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With average starting salaries around $76,000, most graduates should be able to handle their loan payments.
Does Siena College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $32,697 suggests Siena offers moderate financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment for middle-income families without exceptional earning potential in most majors.