Alfred University
Alfred University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Alfred University at a Glance
Alfred University is a private university in Alfred, New York, United States. It has a total undergraduate population of approximately 1,600 students. The university hosts the statutory New York State College of Ceramics, which includes The Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design.
1836
190 years old
$203M
$203 million (2025)
1,843
1,422 undergrad · 421 grad
152
232 acres
Identity
Is Alfred University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Alfred University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,897 — 2% above average — while paying $25,620/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Alfred University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Alfred University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #81 of 136 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #81 | Alfred University | 30 | $25,620 | $54,897 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Alfred University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in NY.
Best Programs at Alfred University
The highest-earning program at Alfred University is Mechanical Engineering at $58,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $17,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Alfred University earns $58,000, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $17,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,620/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $58,000 | $58,000 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,000 | $30,000 | $26,500 |
| Psychology, General | $21,400 | $21,400 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $17,100 | $17,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Alfred, NY
- Student Body
- 1,423 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,620
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,897
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000