At $18,481/yr net price, State University of New York at New Paltz graduates earn $58,073/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,073/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,481 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,073/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,073/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,330/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,284/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,631/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,787/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,074/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $17,250 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $59,688 | $40,520 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,402 | $20,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,899 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,979 | |
| Education, Other. | Master | $56,776 | |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $55,964 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at State University of New York at New Paltz graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY New Paltz gives you a solid financial return, with median debt of $18,750 sitting right around one year's net price. You leave with earnings near $58,000 after ten years, and 69% of you finish while nearly 87% return after year one. The debt-to-earnings math works in your favor here.
Your major decides a lot. Electrical engineering and computer engineering both clear $67,000, and electrical engineering pairs that with the lowest debt of the top programs at $17,250. That combination is the strongest bet on campus. Computer and information sciences lands near the school median but comes with heavier debt at $23,250, so the payoff is thinner than the engineering tracks. Design and applied arts pays about $51,000, and accounting sits lowest of the five at roughly $46,000 while carrying $22,000 in debt, so it is the weakest return-to-cost pairing listed.
The main risk is picking a lower-earning major and borrowing at the higher end. Accounting graduates earn less than the school median but take on more debt than the engineers who out-earn them, which flips the usual logic. If the Hudson Valley job market is your plan, the engineering and computing paths give you the most room.
If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $11,330 a year, and that price climbs steadily by income tier up to $25,074 for families over $110,000. Lower-income families get a real discount here, and even the top tier stays below many private four-year sticker prices.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or computing degree at a public price. If you are set on accounting or a lower-earning field and would need to borrow at the top of the range, run the numbers carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY New Paltz worth the cost compared to other colleges?
SUNY New Paltz offers decent value with a $18,481 annual net price and $58,073 median earnings after 10 years. The relatively low debt load of $18,750 makes it a safer financial choice than many private colleges, though the 69% graduation rate suggests completion isn't guaranteed for all students.
What are the highest paying majors at State University of New York at New Paltz?
Educational Administration pays the most at $94,408 annually, followed by engineering programs like Electrical Engineering ($68,219) and Computer Engineering ($67,324). These technical and leadership programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings of $58,073.
How much student debt do SUNY New Paltz graduates typically have?
The median debt at SUNY New Paltz is $18,750, which is manageable compared to national averages. With post-graduation earnings around $58,073, most graduates can handle this debt load without major financial stress.
Does State University of New York at New Paltz have good job placement after graduation?
While specific job placement rates aren't available, the $58,073 median earnings 10 years after graduation are solid for a mid-tier state school. However, the 69% graduation rate means about one in three students don't finish their degree, which limits career prospects.