At $17,980/yr net price, SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill graduates earn $45,030/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,030/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,030/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,030/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,023 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,264/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,614/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,907/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,483/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,391/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Agricultural Engineering. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $15,852 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $29,866 | $20,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $26,715 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,267 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill 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 Cobleskill delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for technical programs but concerning results across much of the college. The median earnings of $45,030 create a reasonable payback timeline given the relatively low net price, but the 41% graduation rate means many students leave without finishing their degrees.
Agricultural Engineering stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning over $52,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance and repair programs also provide solid returns at $47,260, reflecting strong demand for skilled technicians in upstate New York. These technical tracks justify the investment and connect directly to regional job markets.
Animal Sciences presents the biggest financial risk, with graduates earning just $29,866 while carrying $20,000 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years. Information Science graduates face similar concerns with below-average earnings despite the tech field's general strength.
You should consider SUNY Cobleskill if you plan to pursue agricultural engineering or vehicle technology programs and want hands-on training at a reasonable cost. The school works well for students who thrive in smaller, practical learning environments and plan to work in rural New York or similar regions.
Avoid this school if you need the structure and resources that higher graduation rates typically indicate, or if you're considering animal sciences or general programs without clear career pathways. The low retention rate suggests many students struggle to adapt to the environment or find their academic fit here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill worth the cost?
The school offers mixed value depending on your major. Agricultural engineering graduates earn around $52,000, which justifies the $17,980 annual cost, but animal sciences majors average just $29,866 after graduation.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill?
Only 41% of students graduate, which is well below the national average. This means many students pay for college without getting a degree, making the investment riskier than at schools with higher completion rates.
How much debt do SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $16,023 in debt, which is manageable for higher-paying programs like agricultural engineering but becomes problematic for lower-earning majors where starting salaries barely cover loan payments.
Which programs at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill have the best ROI?
Agricultural engineering and vehicle maintenance programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $42,000-$52,000 annually. Avoid animal sciences, where the $29,866 average salary makes the degree financially questionable.