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 gives you a moderate financial return with a wide gap between what programs earn early on and where the median lands a decade out. The overall median of $67,258 ten years after enrollment sits well above the roughly $48k top-earning early figures, so the payoff here builds over time instead of showing up right after graduation. That delay is the core bet you're making.
Economics and business are your safest earners, both clearing $47k early against about $26,000 in debt. Math follows close behind. Communication and political science lag, with political science earning the least of the listed programs while carrying the highest debt at $27,000 , the worst debt-to-early-earnings pairing on this list. If you're headed into political science here, know that going in.
The location is a real risk. Canton sits in far northern New York, far from major job markets, so the rural setting limits nearby internships and first jobs. That partly explains why early earnings look soft even as the ten-year number recovers. You'll likely need to leave the region to convert this degree into strong pay.
The retention and graduation numbers work in your favor. With 86% of students returning after year one and nearly 80% finishing, you're unlikely to pay for time that produces no degree , the most expensive outcome at any private school.
Cost is where the fit gets decided. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $12,250 a year, and the return math holds. Above $110k, you pay roughly $40,000 , more than three times as much , and at that price an economics or business track is the only one that clearly justifies the spend. Pick a lower-earning major at full price and the return turns thin.
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.