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 gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on your major. The median graduate earns $63,277 after ten years against $22,500 in debt, which is a manageable ratio. But that median hides a huge split between programs, and picking the wrong one leaves you underwater.
Nursing is the clear win. At $69,457 with the lowest program debt on the list, it pays back faster than anything else here and plugs into a regional healthcare job market that consistently needs nurses. If you come to Utica for nursing, the numbers work.
The other four programs are where it gets rough. Homeland security, business economics, criminal justice, and rehabilitation professions all land between $35,060 and $43,240. Rehabilitation is the worst deal: you borrow $27,000 to earn $35,060, and criminal justice pairs $24,345 in debt with a $39,467 paycheck. These majors carry high debt and low pay at the same time, which is the combination you want to avoid.
The specific risk here is the 55.5% graduation rate and 73% retention. Roughly a quarter of students don't return after year one, and nearly half don't finish. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and those odds are real at Utica.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: you pay about $16,485 under $30k and $14,355 in the $30-48k band, but the price jumps to $27,736 if your family earns over $110k. Middle- and upper-income families are paying close to full private-college rates.
Utica fits you if you're headed into nursing or qualify for the lower price tiers. If you want a criminal justice or rehabilitation degree, or you're paying the top tier for a low-earning major, look at cheaper public options first.
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.