At $36,000/yr net price, Union College graduates earn $88,604/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $54,604/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,000 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $144,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $88,604/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$54,604/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,337 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,257/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,506/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,768/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,376/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,517/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,460 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,812 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,392 | |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $27,000 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $21,500 |
| Physical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $39,909 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $39,585 | $24,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
85.3% of students at Union College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Union College delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $88,604 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for private colleges. Your $36,000 annual net price translates to solid earning potential across most majors.
Computer science leads Union's salary rankings at $76,460, making it your best financial bet. Mechanical engineering follows at $67,812, while electrical engineering and biomedical engineering both clear $60,000. Economics rounds out the top earners at $58,673. These technical programs justify Union's price tag through consistent post-graduation earning power.
Liberal arts majors face steeper financial challenges. While Union's strong alumni network in the Northeast helps with job placement, humanities and social science degrees typically produce lower starting salaries that make the $36,000 annual cost harder to recoup quickly.
Your biggest financial risk is Union's limited need-based aid, with only 13% of students receiving assistance. This means most families pay close to sticker price. The median debt of $25,337 remains manageable given strong graduate earnings, but you need upfront financial resources or merit scholarships to make Union work.
Union fits best if you can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing and plan to study engineering, computer science, or economics. The school's location in New York's Capital District provides access to tech companies and state government jobs. Skip Union if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic.
Focus on merit scholarship opportunities, as Union offers limited need-based aid but may reward high achievers with partial tuition reductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union College worth the high cost?
Union College costs $36,000 annually after aid but graduates earn $88,604 ten years out, putting it in the middle range for ROI among private colleges. The 85% graduation rate is solid, though debt levels around $25,000 mean you need to pick your major carefully.
What are the best paying majors at Union College?
Computer science graduates from Union College earn around $76,460, while mechanical engineering pays $67,812. Liberal arts majors typically see much lower returns, so STEM fields offer the clearest path to justify the tuition.
How much debt do Union College students typically graduate with?
Union College graduates carry a median debt of $25,337, which is manageable if you land in a well-paying field like engineering or computer science. Students in lower-earning majors may struggle to make payments on this debt load.
Does Union College provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
Union College brings the sticker price down to around $36,000 per year after financial aid. This is still expensive for most families, and you should compare this net price against earnings potential in your chosen field before committing.