At $19,067/yr net price, SUNY at Purchase College graduates earn $45,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,067 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,268 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,067 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,320/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,753/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,148/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,454/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,346/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $22,798 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $30,475 | $19,500 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $30,305 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $23,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $28,309 | $17,750 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $18,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $20,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $26,482 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.6% of students at SUNY at Purchase College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY Purchase delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median graduate earns $45,092 ten years after enrollment, barely justifying the $19,067 annual net price when you factor in opportunity costs and debt payments.
Your major choice determines everything at Purchase. Mathematics and Statistics graduates earn $48,041, making this the only program that offers solid returns. Visual and Performing Arts graduates earn just $38,289 while carrying $22,798 in debt. Arts and Entertainment Management majors face even worse prospects at $30,475 with $19,500 in debt. Journalism graduates earn $30,305 with $21,500 in debt.
The 61.6% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 79% retention rate suggests many students realize the poor value proposition after their first year.
Purchase works financially for math majors and students who can attend debt-free through family support. If you need loans for arts programs, you should look elsewhere. The creative programs that define Purchase simply do not generate enough income to justify borrowing money.
Only 35.6% of students receive financial aid, suggesting Purchase expects families to pay the full freight. This makes the school particularly poor value for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but cannot easily afford $19,000 annually.
If you want arts training and can afford it without loans, Purchase offers quality programs. If you need your degree to pay for itself, choose a different school or a different major.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Purchase worth the money?
SUNY Purchase offers mixed value with graduates earning $45,092 after 10 years against $19,067 annual costs. The math and statistics programs show strong returns at $48,041, but arts programs typically earn $30,000-38,000, making debt management critical for creative majors.
What is the return on investment for SUNY Purchase College?
SUNY Purchase ROI varies dramatically by major, with mathematics graduates earning $48,041 versus arts management graduates at $30,475. The relatively low graduation rate of 62% and median debt of $21,067 mean many students don't complete their degree or graduate with debt that outpaces earning potential.
Do SUNY Purchase graduates have high student debt?
SUNY Purchase graduates carry median debt of $21,067, which is manageable for higher-earning majors like mathematics but problematic for arts graduates earning around $30,000. The debt-to-income ratio becomes concerning for students in the school's popular but lower-paying creative programs.
Which majors at SUNY Purchase College have the best job prospects?
Mathematics and statistics majors at SUNY Purchase earn the highest salaries at $48,041, making this the best ROI program. Visual and performing arts graduates earn significantly less at $38,289, while arts management and journalism majors start around $30,000.