At $18,486/yr net price, University at Albany graduates earn $67,979/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,979/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,486 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,979/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,979/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,066/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,895/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,850/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,811/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,009/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,576 | $31,500 |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,307 | $20,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $68,219 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $61,516 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,256 | $20,500 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $55,964 | $28,125 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $52,733 | $20,267 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,962 | $22,186 |
| Public Health. | Master | $49,270 | $32,643 |
| Criminology. | Master | $46,673 | $23,642 |
The Risk Factor
63.9% of students at University at Albany graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University at Albany delivers solid middle-class returns at a reasonable price, with graduates earning $68,000 annually after carrying just $19,500 in debt. Your investment pays off particularly well if you target the business school, where management majors earn $74,576 and taxation students pull in $74,307. These programs justify their slightly higher debt loads with strong earning potential in the Albany-New York corridor.
The 64% graduation rate creates real financial risk if you struggle with large lecture classes or need more academic support. One in three students never finish, making this a poor choice if you need smaller classes or intensive mentoring. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who return after freshman year do graduate, but that first year proves important.
Psychology and accounting majors face tougher math, earning around $60,000 while carrying similar debt loads. These fields work better if you plan graduate school or have family connections in the region. Liberal arts programs show weaker returns and make sense only if you have strong career networking or plan professional school.
The $18,486 net price makes Albany accessible for middle-income families, especially New York residents. However, only 42% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. You get the best value by choosing high-earning majors, graduating on time, and leveraging the school's connections to New York state government and regional employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University at Albany worth the cost compared to other SUNY schools?
University at Albany offers solid value with a net price of $18,486 and graduates earning $67,979 after 10 years. The return on investment is reasonable for a public university, though the 64% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at University at Albany?
Business Administration and Taxation lead with graduates earning around $74,500 annually. Computer and Information Technology graduates earn $68,219, while Psychology and Accounting majors see lower returns at $61,516 and $60,256 respectively.
How much debt do University at Albany students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable given the earning potential of most programs. However, students who don't graduate still carry debt without the degree to justify it.
Should I choose University at Albany over a community college for cost savings?
Starting at a community college and transferring can cut costs significantly. University at Albany's business and tech programs justify the higher cost, but weaker programs like psychology may not provide enough earning power to justify four years of university pricing.