At $14,295/yr net price, SUNY College at Potsdam graduates earn $47,866/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,866/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,295 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,866/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,866/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.9% |
| 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 | $8,948/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,590/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,617/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,141/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,966/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
47.9% of students at SUNY College at Potsdam 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 College at Potsdam delivers weak overall financial returns, with median earnings barely exceeding twice the annual net price and a troubling 47% graduation rate that puts half of students at risk of debt without a degree.
Computer science stands out as the clear winner financially, generating nearly $70,000 annually compared to the school's $47,866 median. Education majors cluster around $43,000, which represents modest returns given the four-year investment. Business and math programs land at the bottom of the earnings spectrum despite their typically strong job market performance elsewhere.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its graduation rate. You face nearly even odds of completing your degree, meaning significant debt exposure with no credential to show for it. The 78% retention rate suggests many students recognize problems early and transfer out.
Potsdam works financially if you plan to study computer science and can handle the academic challenges successfully. Education majors should consider the program only if teaching represents a true calling, as the financial returns barely justify the investment. All other majors present questionable value propositions.
The low net price provides some cushion against poor outcomes, but the risk of non-completion overshadows this advantage. Students seeking reliable financial returns should examine SUNY schools with stronger graduation rates and more diverse high-earning programs. Potsdam's rural location limits internship and job opportunities, further constraining post-graduation earning potential across most fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College at Potsdam worth the cost compared to other colleges?
SUNY Potsdam offers below-average returns with median earnings of $47,866 ten years after graduation, which is low for a four-year degree. The low net price of $14,295 helps offset weak earnings, but the 48% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What programs at SUNY College at Potsdam have the best ROI?
Computer Science graduates earn $69,338, making it the clear winner for return on investment. Education and teaching programs pay around $43,000, which is typical for those fields but below national averages for college graduates.
How much debt do SUNY College at Potsdam graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $24,250, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with starting salaries under $48,000 for most programs, loan payments will still take a significant portion of income.
Should I attend SUNY College at Potsdam if I want to major in education?
If you plan to teach in New York state and want low debt, Potsdam works as an affordable option. The education programs produce typical teacher salaries around $43,000, but job prospects in rural areas can be limited.