At $13,882/yr net price, SUNY Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $64,355/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,355/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,355/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,355/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,119/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,829/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,013/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,898/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,666/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,627 | $42,988 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $75,518 | $20,975 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,358 | $13,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $23,649 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $17,104 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,711 | $18,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,124 | $20,500 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $22,442 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $19,750 |
The Risk Factor
59.2% of students at SUNY Polytechnic Institute 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 Polytechnic offers solid financial value with a relatively low net price of $13,882 and median debt of just $17,250, making it affordable even without extensive financial aid. The median earnings of $64,355 create a strong debt-to-income ratio that works in your favor.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn up to $96,627, though some nursing tracks carry higher debt loads of $42,988. Business and engineering programs deliver respectable returns with more manageable debt. The electrical engineering program produces graduates earning $61,516 with debt of $23,649, creating a reasonable payback period.
The concerning graduation rate of 59% means two out of five students leave without a degree, making this investment risky if you struggle with academic persistence. The 68% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
This school works best if you plan to enter nursing, business, or engineering and can handle the academic demands. The low sticker price makes it accessible for middle-income families who might not qualify for need-based aid elsewhere. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want programs outside of SUNY Poly's technical focus areas.
With only 37% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves graduating on time in a high-earning program rather than chasing additional aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Polytechnic Institute worth the cost?
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers decent value with a low net price of $13,882 and graduates earning $64,355 after 10 years. However, the 59% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at SUNY Polytechnic Institute?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $96,627, followed by bioethics at $91,744. Engineering and business programs pay significantly less at $61,516 and $75,518 respectively.
How much debt do SUNY Polytechnic Institute graduates have?
The median debt is $17,250, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. This debt level is reasonable compared to earnings potential, especially for nursing graduates.
Does SUNY Polytechnic Institute have good job prospects?
Job prospects depend heavily on your major - nursing graduates do well with strong earning potential. Other programs show mixed results, and the 59% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.