At $30,561/yr net price, St Lawrence University graduates earn $67,258/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,258/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,561 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,258/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,258/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,250/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,287/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,671/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,263/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,029/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,600 | $26,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $26,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,490 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,134 | $27,000 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
79.7% of students at St Lawrence University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 20% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St Lawrence University delivers mixed ROI results with median earnings of $67,258 that sit well above the national average but come at a steep $30,561 annual net price. Your financial outcome depends heavily on your major choice at this Canton, New York liberal arts college.
Economics and business majors fare best with starting salaries around $48,000, though even these top earners graduate with $26,000 in debt. Mathematics offers solid returns at $42,682 with slightly lower debt loads. Communication and media studies graduates earn $39,729 while carrying $25,000 in debt, creating a tighter financial picture in the early career years.
The school's 79.7% graduation rate means one in five students leave without a degree while still carrying debt. With only 21% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay close to full price. This creates particular risk for middle-income families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the $122,000 four-year cost.
St Lawrence works financially for students pursuing economics or business who come from families comfortable with minimal aid packages. The strong alumni network in the Northeast provides job placement advantages that justify the premium for these majors. Students considering lower-paying fields like education or liberal arts face poor ROI prospects given the high costs.
Your best cost strategy involves targeting merit scholarships early in the application process, as need-based aid remains limited. Students from working-class backgrounds should consider state schools with better aid packages, while wealthy families get reasonable value in economics and business programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Lawrence University worth the cost?
St Lawrence University graduates earn $67,258 annually after 10 years, which is reasonable but not exceptional for a $30,561 yearly net price. The school offers solid career outcomes but may not justify the cost for students seeking maximum financial return on investment.
What are the best paying majors at St Lawrence University?
Economics leads at $48,600 annually, followed by business at $47,846. However, these starting salaries are modest compared to many other private colleges, especially given the tuition investment required.
How much debt do St Lawrence University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. With a 79.7% graduation rate, most students do complete their degrees, though earnings may not always justify borrowing much more than the median.
Does St Lawrence University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $30,561 suggests decent aid packages that bring costs below the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment that may not pay off as strongly as other schools in the same price range.