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 gives you a solid financial return with low risk. You leave with median debt under $20,000, which most graduates can pay down without strain given the $67,979 median earnings a decade out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the core of Albany's case: you borrow modestly and earn back a reasonable multiple.
Accounting is the clear winner among the bachelor's programs, starting graduates near $50,000 and feeding directly into New York's public sector, Big Four regional offices, and state government hiring around the capital. Information science and computer science follow, both starting in the low-to-mid $40,000s. Business administration and economics start lower, in the high $30,000s, and carry similar debt, so the early payoff is weaker there even if long-run earnings climb.
The main risk is the 63.9% graduation rate. About a third of students don't finish in the tracked window, and if you borrow and leave without the degree, you get the debt without the earnings that justify it. The 83% retention rate is a better early sign, but the gap between staying and finishing is where the money gets lost.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000, you pay around $13,000 a year. over $110,000, closer to $25,000. That's a real spread, but even the top tier stays below many private options, and the jump from the $48-75k band to the $75-110k band is small.
Albany fits you if you're a New York resident aiming at accounting, tech, or a state-government career, especially if you qualify for aid at the lower income tiers. Look elsewhere if you're paying out-of-state prices for a program like economics or general business, where the starting salaries don't clear the higher cost as cleanly.
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.