Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.2%
- Retention Rate
- 80.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $60,236
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $77,401 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $49,331 | $20,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,789 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,703 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $44,021 | $27,333 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $40,768 | $21,470 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $40,551 | $22,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $21,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,108 | $21,485 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $37,208 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $23,125 |
Outcomes Overview
Cortland graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,500 and earn $60,236 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume just 4.6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 97.2% employment rate reflects strong demand for the university's teacher education and physical education graduates. Many alumni become teachers, coaches, and recreation professionals in New York's public school systems. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.35 compares favorably to the national average of 0.40 for public universities. With relatively low debt and solid earning potential in stable career fields, Cortland offers a strong return on investment for students pursuing education and health-related careers.