Cortland, NY · Private University
Is State University of New York at Cortland Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$60,236
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,815
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,725
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$74,900
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.22x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
68.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,951
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn $15,236 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 State University of New York at Cortland ranked by graduate earnings
58 graduates
18 graduates
145 graduates
77 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at State University of New York at Cortland
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, GeneralBest ROI | $65,127 | 3.5x |
| Mathematics | $63,953 | 3.4x |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $63,367 | 3.4x |
| Criminology | $55,104 | 2.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $53,451 | 2.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $52,869 | 2.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $51,884 | 2.8x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $51,495 | 2.8x |
| Sociology | $50,654 | 2.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $49,343 | 2.6x |
| Psychology, General | $49,143 | 2.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,282 | 2.5x |
| History | $47,034 | 2.5x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $46,350 | 2.5x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and HumanitiesLowest | $40,898 | 2.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
State University of New York at Cortland stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $60,236 10 years after starting, $15,236 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3 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.