At $9,900/yr net price, SUNY Old Westbury graduates earn $58,526/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,526/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,900 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,526/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,526/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,997 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,890/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,149/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,294/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,835/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,451/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $61,814 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,415 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,742 | $15,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,478 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $14,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $38,505 | $18,000 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $34,621 | $15,517 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at SUNY Old Westbury 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 Old Westbury gives you a low-cost degree with a modest payoff. At $9,900 a year in net price and a median debt under $15,000, you leave with less debt than most graduates carry, and median earnings of $58,526 ten years out clear that debt several times over. The math works in your favor because the cost stays low, not because the earnings run high.
The gap between programs matters here. Accounting graduates earn about $50,742, roughly $8,000 more than business administration and $12,000 more than the sales and marketing track, while carrying similar debt. If you come here for accounting, the numbers hold up. Math sits near $41,500 and social sciences near $38,500, with social science graduates taking on the highest debt on this list at $18,000 for the lowest listed early earnings. That combination is the weakest bet on campus.
The real risk is finishing. Only 47 percent of students graduate, and about a quarter don't return after the first year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and at this school it's a live possibility. The cheap net price only pays off if you walk out with the diploma.
The pricing rewards lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $5,890 a year. over $110,000, you pay $18,451, more than triple. For families in the middle brackets the jump between the $48-75k tier and above is steep, so run your own income against the table before assuming it's cheap.
This school fits you if you're targeting accounting or business and can commit to finishing on time. If your major of interest sits at the bottom of the earnings list, or you're unsure you'll graduate, weigh that carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Old Westbury worth the cost for the education quality?
SUNY Old Westbury offers a low net price of $9,900 per year, but the 46.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. The school accepts 92% of applicants, indicating lower academic standards that may affect the value of your degree.
What is the return on investment for SUNY Old Westbury graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $14,997. While the debt load is manageable, the low graduation rate means significant risk that you won't complete your degree to see any return.
Which SUNY Old Westbury programs offer the best job prospects and salary potential?
Teacher education graduates earn around $61,814, making it the highest-paying program. Accounting graduates see more variable outcomes, ranging from $50,742 to $56,415, while business management graduates typically earn $42,363.
Should I attend SUNY Old Westbury if I'm concerned about student debt?
The low net price and median debt of $14,997 make SUNY Old Westbury financially accessible. However, the 46.6% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.