At $21,869/yr net price, Utica University graduates earn $63,277/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,277/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,869 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,277/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,277/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,485/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,355/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,670/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,938/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,736/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $86,696 | |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $79,912 | $37,746 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $76,998 | $36,359 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,457 | $18,750 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $60,058 | $55,294 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $57,318 | $36,917 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $51,482 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,087 | |
| Homeland Security. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $25,000 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
The Risk Factor
55.5% of students at Utica University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Utica University delivers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your major choice determines whether you get good value for the $21,869 annual net price.
The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program stands out with $86,696 in median earnings, making it one of the strongest ROI options. Security science and homeland security majors also command high salaries in the $76,000 to $79,000 range, though these programs carry higher debt loads around $36,000 to $37,000. Nursing graduates earn $69,457 with relatively low debt at $18,750, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection. While top programs deliver strong returns, Utica's 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential. The 73% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles push students out after freshman year.
You should consider Utica if you plan to study healthcare, security, or rehabilitation fields where the school has established regional employer connections. The relatively low median debt of $22,500 helps graduates in these high-demand fields manage payments while building careers.
Skip Utica if you want liberal arts or business programs that lack the same earning power as the school's specialized offerings. With only 30% of students receiving aid, you will likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships in the school's priority programs.
Utica works best for students who know their career path and choose one of the school's strong professional programs. The investment pays off when you graduate in nursing, security, or rehabilitation fields, but generic degrees do not justify the private school cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utica University worth the money?
Utica University can be worth it if you pursue high-paying programs like rehabilitation therapy ($86,696) or security science ($79,912). General graduates earn $63,277 after 10 years, which is reasonable for the $21,869 annual cost, but the 55% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Utica University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions top the list at $86,696, followed by security science at $79,912 and homeland security at $76,998. Nursing graduates earn $69,457, which is solid but lower than the therapy programs.
How much debt do Utica University graduates have?
The median debt is $22,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With graduates earning $63,277 on average, most can handle loan payments if they complete their degree.
What is Utica University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 55% of students graduate, meaning nearly half don't finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still accumulate debt but miss out on the earning boost that comes with completing college.