At $16,547/yr net price, SUNY College at Plattsburgh graduates earn $56,403/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,403/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,547 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,188 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,403/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,403/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,196 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,585/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,591/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,685/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,575/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,723/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. | Bachelor | $71,095 | $21,375 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $71,015 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $64,493 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $59,350 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $22,973 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $26,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $50,105 | $39,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,790 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,321 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
58.8% of students at SUNY College at Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh offers solid financial value with a net price under $17,000 and modest debt loads, but your program choice makes all the difference in return on investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering over $71,000 in median earnings with debt just above $21,000. This creates an excellent debt-to-income ratio in a field with strong regional demand. Educational administration also hits $71,000, though this typically requires additional graduate education. Clinical laboratory science rounds out the top earners at over $64,000.
The weaker ROI comes from programs not represented in the top earnings list. With overall median earnings at $56,403, many majors fall well below this mark. The 58.8% graduation rate signals that nearly half of students never complete their degrees, creating financial risk without the credential payoff.
You face specific risks at Plattsburgh tied to its North Country location. The regional job market limits opportunities outside healthcare and education, potentially forcing graduates to relocate for career advancement. The 71.2% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the remote location or academic demands.
This school works best if you plan to study nursing, education, or laboratory science and can handle the rural setting. The combination of low costs and strong programs in these fields creates genuine value. You should look elsewhere if you want broad career networks, urban internship opportunities, or majors outside the school's strengths.
With only 38.5% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the high-earning programs and completing your degree within four years to maximize the return on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College at Plattsburgh worth the cost?
SUNY Plattsburgh offers decent value with a net price of $16,547 and graduates earning $56,403 after 10 years. The nursing programs stand out with starting salaries around $71,000, but the 59% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
Nursing programs top the earnings list at $71,095, followed by educational administration at $71,015. Business and management programs pay around $55,000-$59,000, which is closer to the school average.
How much debt do SUNY College at Plattsburgh graduates have?
Typical graduates leave with $21,196 in debt, which is manageable given the $56,403 starting salary. Nursing graduates can easily handle this debt load, but other majors may struggle more with loan payments.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
Only 59% of students graduate, which is below average for four-year colleges. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without getting a degree to show for it.