Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,257/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,257/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,690 | $95,808 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,964 | $48,181 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Doctoral | $64,196 | $141,331 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $16,300 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $59,635 | $231,479 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 | $15,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $48,849 |
Analysis
Upstate Medical University delivers strong financial returns with a median 10-year salary of $92,257 and surprisingly low median debt of just $15,000. This combination creates one of the better debt-to-income ratios among medical schools, though your actual debt load will vary dramatically by program.
The top Allied Health Diagnostic program graduates earn over $100,000 annually, making the $95,808 debt burden manageable. Nursing programs show mixed results - the higher-earning nursing track at $93,964 carries $48,181 in debt, while a lower-earning version leaves graduates at $63,005 with no reported debt. Medical Assisting Services presents the worst ROI scenario, with graduates earning just $64,196 while carrying $141,331 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection. The debt variations are extreme, from programs with minimal borrowing to those requiring six-figure loans for modest salaries. Syracuse's healthcare job market supports these earnings, but you need to research your specific program's debt expectations before enrolling.
This school works best financially if you can access the low-debt nursing programs or justify higher borrowing for the diagnostic specialties. Avoid the Medical Assisting program unless you have substantial family support or scholarships. With only 25% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited, making program choice your primary cost control strategy.
If you can graduate with debt near the $15,000 median, Upstate offers excellent value. If your program requires borrowing closer to $100,000, calculate carefully whether the projected salary justifies the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upstate Medical University worth the cost?
Yes, for most students. With median debt of just $15,000 and 10-year median earnings of $92,257, graduates typically see strong returns on their investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Upstate Medical University?
Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs lead at $100,690 median earnings, followed by nursing programs at $93,964. Lower-paying nursing tracks start around $63,005.
How much debt do Upstate Medical University graduates have?
The median debt is $15,000, which is relatively low for a medical university. This manageable debt load contributes to the school's strong ROI profile.
Do Upstate Medical University graduates make good money?
Most do well, with 10-year median earnings of $92,257. However, earnings vary significantly by program, from around $60,000 for some nursing tracks to over $100,000 for specialized allied health roles.