At $18,730/yr net price, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates earn $55,763/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,763/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,730 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,763/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,763/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,211/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,770/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,458/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,248/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,955/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $55,348 | |
| Landscape Architecture. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Bachelor | $36,131 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $31,423 | |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | Bachelor | $22,880 | |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $19,683 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry delivers solid financial returns for a specialized public institution, with graduates earning $55,763 annually against relatively low costs and debt loads. Your low median debt of $11,000 makes this school financially accessible even if your starting salary lands on the lower end of the range.
Engineering programs provide the strongest payoff at $55,348 annually, justifying the investment for students who can handle the technical coursework. environment Architecture offers moderate returns at $42,682, though this field typically sees salary growth with experience and licensure. Natural Resources Management starts lower at $36,131 but connects you to stable government and nonprofit career tracks.
The financial risk centers on the ecology and biology programs, where $22,880 starting salaries create a challenging path to financial security. If you're passionate about these fields, plan for graduate school or consider double-majoring with engineering to boost your earning potential.
This school works best financially if you're serious about environmental careers and want specialized training without crushing debt. The Syracuse location provides access to both outdoor recreation industries and urban environmental consulting firms. Your low aid percentage suggests most students can afford the costs without extensive borrowing.
You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about environmental careers or need higher starting salaries to support family obligations. The specialized focus limits your backup options compared to larger universities with diverse programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry worth the cost?
With a net price of $18,730 and median earnings of $55,763 ten years after graduation, ESF offers decent value for students who stick to higher-paying programs like engineering. However, graduates in ecology and biology fields earn significantly less, making the investment questionable for those majors.
What are the highest paying majors at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry?
Engineering graduates from ESF earn around $55,348 annually, making it the best ROI program at the school. Landscape architecture follows at $42,682, while ecology and biology majors typically earn just $22,880 to $31,423.
How much debt do SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates have?
ESF graduates leave with a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall value proposition, especially for students in higher-earning programs.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry?
ESF has a 69.90% graduation rate, meaning about 3 in 10 students don't finish their degree. This completion risk should factor into your decision, particularly given the specialized nature of many programs at the school.