At $15,644/yr net price, SUNY at Fredonia graduates earn $54,247/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,247/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,644 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,247/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,247/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,524/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,573/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,522/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,480/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,350/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $54,109 | $40,767 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $54,015 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $49,058 | $22,634 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $48,725 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $45,207 | $23,750 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $44,077 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $44,021 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
The Risk Factor
53.5% of students at SUNY at Fredonia graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
SUNY Fredonia offers mixed financial returns with some strong programs but concerning overall graduation rates. Your return on investment depends heavily on your major choice and ability to complete your degree.
Educational Administration leads earnings at $74,576, though this typically requires additional graduate study. Special Education graduates earn solid middle-class salaries around $54,000, but carry higher debt loads at $40,767. Computer Science majors achieve reasonable earnings with manageable debt at $22,634, making this program one of your better bets financially.
The school's 53% graduation rate presents significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. If you struggle academically or lack strong study habits, you face higher odds of poor outcomes than at more selective institutions.
Fredonia works best financially if you plan to teach in New York state, where education credentials transfer well, or if you can complete a technical program like Computer Science or Medical Laboratory Science. The relatively low net price of $15,644 makes it affordable for families seeking teacher preparation or regional employment.
Avoid Fredonia if you need strong career services, alumni networks, or want programs that travel well nationally. The location limits internship opportunities, and many graduates stay in western New York where wages lag behind state averages.
With 37% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing majors with clear career paths. The school suits students who know they want to teach or work locally, but think carefully if you have broader career ambitions or question your ability to finish college successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Fredonia worth the cost compared to other colleges?
SUNY Fredonia offers below-average returns with graduates earning $54,247 ten years after enrollment, which is lower than many four-year colleges. The low net price of $15,644 helps offset weak earnings, but the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at SUNY Fredonia?
Educational Administration graduates earn the highest salaries at $74,576, followed by Special Education teachers at $54,109. Most other programs, including Computer Science at $49,058, produce earnings well below national averages for those fields.
How much debt do SUNY Fredonia graduates have?
The median debt load of $24,250 is manageable compared to many schools. With starting salaries around $54,000, most graduates can handle loan payments without major financial stress.
Should I choose SUNY Fredonia if I want to be a teacher?
SUNY Fredonia works well for education majors, especially those pursuing administrative roles or special education where graduates earn competitive salaries. However, general teaching programs like English as a Second Language produce lower earnings at $48,725.