At $10,363/yr net price, SUNY Adirondack graduates earn $41,267/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,267/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,363 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,267/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,267/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,345 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,254/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,816/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,991/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,587/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,017/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,873 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,055 | $12,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $27,584 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,121 | $12,713 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,936 | $10,138 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $19,909 |
The Risk Factor
29.2% of students at SUNY Adirondack graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
SUNY Adirondack offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $55,873 annually, making it one of the best financial bets among New York community colleges. This salary easily justifies the typical debt load and positions you well in the Adirondack region's healthcare job market.
Most other programs struggle financially. Liberal arts graduates earn just $26,121 despite carrying $12,713 in debt, while criminal justice and culinary arts hover around $27,000-$28,000. These earnings barely exceed what you might earn without a degree, making the investment questionable unless you plan to transfer to a four-year program.
The 29% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. You face nearly a three-in-four chance of leaving without completing your program, potentially with debt but no credential. This risk is particularly concerning given the school's location in a region with limited high-paying job opportunities outside healthcare and tourism.
SUNY Adirondack makes financial sense if you can get into nursing and complete the program successfully. The low net price of $10,363 keeps debt manageable, and only 41% of students need financial aid, suggesting many can pay out of pocket. For students planning to transfer to SUNY four-year schools, the low cost provides an affordable pathway to reduce overall college expenses.
Avoid this school if you cannot handle the academic demands that lead to the low completion rate, or if you are considering programs outside nursing without a clear transfer plan. The weak regional job market means most non-nursing graduates will need to relocate for better opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Adirondack worth the cost?
SUNY Adirondack offers reasonable value at $10,363 per year with relatively low debt of $14,345. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and average earnings of $41,267 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What programs at SUNY Adirondack have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return with graduates earning $55,873 annually, making them worthwhile despite the school's overall lower earnings. Most other programs, including liberal arts ($26,121) and culinary arts ($27,584), offer poor financial returns.
How much debt do SUNY Adirondack graduates typically have?
The median debt is $14,345, which is manageable compared to many schools. This low debt load helps offset the below-average earnings for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY Adirondack?
Only 29% of students graduate from SUNY Adirondack, meaning most students leave without completing their degree. This high dropout rate significantly increases the financial risk of attending.