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
Alfred State gives you a solid financial return, with a median debt of $13,750 that stays well below its 10-year median earnings of $50,445. That debt-to-earnings gap is the strongest signal here: you can pay back what you borrow without it swallowing your income. The technical focus drives this, and the school's programs line up with real jobs in construction and manufacturing.
Construction Management and Mechanical Engineering Technologies pay best, both clearing $56,000. Electrical Engineering Technologies sits right behind. These are hands-on fields tied to the Western New York and broader Northeast building and industrial market, and the earnings hold up. The catch: these top-paying majors also carry the most debt, around $24,000 to $26,000, roughly double the school-wide median. You take on more to earn more, so the ROI stays positive but the margin narrows if you don't finish or don't land in the field.
Computer/Information Technology Administration lags the engineering tracks by about $7,000 a year while still carrying $24,250 in debt, making it the weaker bet among the listed programs. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies pays mid-pack with no heavy debt attached.
The main risk is completion. A 52.70% graduation rate and 76.25% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree, which flips the ROI negative fast. The high-debt engineering majors amplify that risk.
If your family earns under $48,000, your net price drops to roughly $10,000-$11,700, and the technical majors make this a strong-value choice for you. Above $110,000 you pay over $21,000 a year, so the math still works if you finish an engineering track but tightens for the lower-paying programs. This school fits you best if you want a technical trade-linked degree and will commit to finishing it.
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.