Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.9%
- Retention Rate
- 77.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,866
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $43,712 | |
| Mathematics. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,017 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $27,849 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $23,850 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,891 | $22,562 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $24,412 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $22,191 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $25,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $26,706 |
Outcomes Overview
Potsdam graduates earn a median of $47,866 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 51% with typical debt of $24,250. Monthly loan payments of $257 consume about 6.5% of gross income, which is manageable compared to the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong music education program feeds graduates into teaching positions, while education majors find work in rural and upstate New York school districts. An employment rate of 95.4% suggests graduates find work relatively easily. However, the 48% four-year graduation rate means many students accumulate additional debt through extended enrollment. Given the reasonable debt burden and solid employment outcomes, Potsdam offers an average return on investment for students committed to education and arts careers.