At $41,026/yr net price, Syracuse University graduates earn $79,164/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $45,164/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $41,026 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $164,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $79,164/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$45,164/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,505/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,002/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,633/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,776/yr |
| $110,001+ | $55,337/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $88,195 | $49,759 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $81,333 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,966 | $64,914 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $26,564 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,989 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,087 | $27,000 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $62,674 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,343 | $44,832 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
81.4% of students at Syracuse University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Syracuse University delivers mixed financial returns with a net price that puts significant pressure on your post-graduation budget. At over $41,000 annually, you're paying premium private school rates for median earnings that lag behind many comparable institutions.
The school's standout programs center on technology and business. Information Science graduates earn $88,195 within ten years, though you'll carry nearly $50,000 in debt to get there. Computer Engineering also performs well at $81,333, while Business Administration hits $77,966 but saddles you with $64,914 in debt. These high-debt loads for strong-earning majors create a concerning pattern where your best career prospects require taking on substantial financial risk.
Your biggest financial risk at Syracuse is the limited financial aid availability. Only 16% of students receive aid, leaving most families to cover the full cost through savings, loans, or alternative financing. This makes Syracuse particularly challenging for middle-income families who earn too much for aid but lack the resources to pay cash.
Syracuse works financially if you're targeting their strong programs in technology, communications, or business and your family can handle the cost without excessive borrowing. The school's excellent retention rate and solid graduation rate mean you're likely to finish your degree, but the payoff depends heavily on your major choice.
Avoid Syracuse if you're considering lower-earning majors or need substantial financial aid. The school's aid structure and high costs create too much financial risk for programs that don't deliver strong earning potential. Look elsewhere if you're price-sensitive or targeting fields outside their proven strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Syracuse University worth the cost?
Syracuse University's graduates earn $79,164 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional given the $41,026 annual net price. The school is worth it if you can get into a high-paying program like information science or computer engineering, but weaker for other majors.
What are the best paying majors at Syracuse University?
Information science and computer engineering graduates from Syracuse earn $88,195 and $81,333 respectively, making these programs the strongest ROI options. Business and mechanical engineering also perform well, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
How much student debt do Syracuse University graduates have?
Syracuse graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable for high-earning majors but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. The 81% graduation rate is solid, reducing the risk of dropping out with debt and no degree.
Does Syracuse University give good financial aid?
With a net price of $41,026 per year, Syracuse's financial aid brings costs down from the full sticker price but still leaves families paying significantly more than most public universities. The aid helps but doesn't make Syracuse affordable for most middle-class families.