At $14,488/yr net price, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates earn $50,445/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,445/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,488 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,445/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,445/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,813/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,689/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,726/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,924/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,280/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $24,375 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,302 | $26,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,286 | |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $53,697 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $49,625 | $24,250 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $46,966 | $12,000 |
| Engineering-Related Technologies. | Bachelor | $44,933 | |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,356 | $26,211 |
The Risk Factor
52.7% of students at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred 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 of Technology at Alfred delivers solid financial returns for a specialized technical college, with graduates earning a median $50,445 annually while carrying relatively low debt loads of $13,750.
Your best financial bet lies in the engineering technology programs. Construction Management graduates earn $56,776 yearly, though they carry higher debt at $24,375. Mechanical Engineering Technology offers similar earning power at $56,302 with $26,000 in debt. Electrical Engineering Technology provides $55,286 in earnings with debt figures not disclosed but likely comparable. These programs justify their costs by connecting directly to regional manufacturing and construction markets in upstate New York.
Nursing also pays off well at $53,358 annually, capitalizing on healthcare demand across rural New York. The Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies program surprisingly ranks high at $53,697, though this likely reflects career changers and transfer students rather than the program's inherent value.
The concerning element is the 52.7% graduation rate. You face real risk of accumulating debt without completing your degree, particularly problematic given that most technical careers require the full credential. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college-level work.
This school works best for you if you want hands-on technical training at public school prices and plan to work in upstate New York or similar industrial regions. The low net price of $14,488 makes it accessible, though only 45% of students receive financial aid.
Avoid Alfred if you need extensive academic support services or want flexibility to change majors. The specialized nature means fewer backup options if your initial program choice does not work out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY College of Technology at Alfred worth the cost?
With a net price of $14,488 and median earnings of $50,445 after 10 years, Alfred State offers reasonable value for a technical college. The low debt load of $13,750 helps, but the 53% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
Construction Management and engineering technology programs lead earnings at around $55,000-$57,000 annually. Nursing also pays well at $53,358, making these technical programs the best bets for ROI at Alfred State.
How much debt do SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates have?
Alfred State graduates have a median debt of $13,750, which is manageable compared to many colleges. This low debt burden helps make the investment worthwhile for students who complete their programs.
What is the job market like for SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates?
Technical programs like construction management and engineering technologies have strong job prospects, reflected in the $55,000+ starting salaries. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, which limits overall employment outcomes from the school.