Saratoga Springs, NY · Private University
Is Empire State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,080
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,630
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,540
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$70,160
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.08x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
29.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,730
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,147
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Empire State University graduates earn $9,080 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Empire State University ranked by graduate earnings
129 graduates
468 graduates
86 graduates
25 graduates
316 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Empire State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Empire State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $103,646) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $39,946) is $63,700/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $103,646 | 5.9x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $59,995 | 3.4x |
| Physical Sciences, Other(1yr data) | $59,562 | 3.4x |
| Public Policy Analysis(1yr data) | $52,614 | 3.0x |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $45,181 | 2.6x |
| Education, General | $45,140 | 2.6x |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other | $45,073 | 2.6x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $41,424 | 2.4x |
| Psychology, General | $40,013 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest(1yr data) | $39,946 | 2.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Empire State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $54,080 10 years after starting, $9,080 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.