At $19,951/yr net price, State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn $60,236/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,236/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,951 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,236/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,236/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,272/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,846/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,050/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,602/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,422/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
68.2% of students at State University of New York at Cortland graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY Cortland delivers solid financial returns for education majors but struggles in other areas. The school's median earnings of just over $60,000 ten years post-graduation reflect its heavy focus on teaching programs, which dominate the highest-earning majors list.
Educational Administration pays off best at $77,400 annually, though you'll need graduate school to reach those administrative roles. The speech pathology program shows concerning debt levels at $41,000 for median earnings of $57,300. Traditional teaching majors cluster around $48,000-$49,000 with manageable debt of $20,500, making them reasonable choices if you're committed to education.
Your biggest financial risk here is picking the wrong major. Non-education programs at Cortland often lead to lower earnings that don't justify even the relatively affordable $19,951 annual net price. The 68% graduation rate also means three in ten students leave without finishing, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it.
This school works financially if you want to teach in New York state, where SUNY credentials carry weight and starting salaries reach the mid-40s. The low median debt of $21,500 keeps loan payments manageable on teacher salaries. You should look elsewhere if you're interested in business, STEM fields, or other high-earning careers that aren't education-focused.
Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond standard federal programs. Your best cost strategy is completing your degree in four years, since the 81% retention rate indicates some students struggle academically and extend their time to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State University of New York at Cortland worth the cost?
SUNY Cortland offers reasonable value for education majors, with net costs around $20,000 annually and median debt of $21,500. However, most graduates earn $60,236 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates nationally.
What are the best paying majors at State University of New York at Cortland?
Educational Administration leads at $77,401 annually, followed by Communication Disorders at $57,318. Most other programs, including teaching specializations, pay in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s.
How much debt do State University of New York at Cortland graduates have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. With starting salaries often in the $40,000-$50,000 range for education majors, debt payments should be reasonable but not ideal.
Does State University of New York at Cortland have good job prospects after graduation?
The 68% graduation rate is concerning, meaning about one in three students don't finish. For those who do graduate, job prospects depend heavily on your major, with education administration offering the best financial outcomes.