New Paltz, NY · Private University
Is State University of New York at New Paltz Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,073
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,524
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,434
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$73,736
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
68.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,481
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
State University of New York at New Paltz graduates earn $13,073 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 New Paltz ranked by graduate earnings
31 graduates
20 graduates
40 graduates
40 graduates
34 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 New Paltz
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At State University of New York at New Paltz, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $94,090) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $25,017) is $69,073/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $94,090 | 5.1x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $85,742 | 4.7x |
| Economics | $67,782 | 3.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering(1yr data) | $66,274 | 3.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $62,958 | 3.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,924 | 3.2x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $58,260 | 3.2x |
| Marketing | $57,478 | 3.1x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $56,418 | 3.1x |
| Biology, General | $56,021 | 3.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $52,303 | 2.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $51,350 | 2.8x |
| Journalism | $50,893 | 2.8x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $49,674 | 2.7x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $49,572 | 2.7x |
| Psychology, General | $48,194 | 2.6x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $47,738 | 2.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $47,318 | 2.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,678 | 2.5x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $45,474 | 2.5x |
| Sociology | $45,421 | 2.5x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $44,692 | 2.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,714 | 2.2x |
| History | $39,284 | 2.1x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $33,482 | 1.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $26,603 | 1.4x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $25,017 | 1.4x |
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 New Paltz stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $58,073 10 years after starting — $13,073 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.2 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.