Elmira College
Elmira College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Elmira College at a Glance
Elmira College is a private college in Elmira, New York, United States. Founded as a college for women in 1855, it is the oldest existing college granting degrees to women that were the equivalent of those given to men. Elmira College became coeducational in all of its programs in 1969. In fall 2024, the college has an enrollment of approximately 786 students.
1855
171 years old
$27M
$26.5 million (2023)
786
745 undergrad · 41 grad
42 acres
Identity
Is Elmira College Worth It?
Elmira College offers moderate value at $22,386/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $57,550, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Elmira College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 77 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 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #2 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #3 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | Bryan College of Health Sciences | 48 | $26,919 | $70,845 |
| #16 | Elmira College | 41 | $22,386 | $57,550 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Elmira College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NY.
Best Programs at Elmira College
The highest-earning program at Elmira College is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $30,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Elmira College earns $59,400, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $30,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,386/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,400 | $59,400 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,700 | $30,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Elmira, NY
- Student Body
- 708 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,386
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,550
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000