Empire State University
Empire State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Empire State University at a Glance
The State University of New York, Empire State University is a public university headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
1971
55 years old
11,404
9,039 undergrad · 2,365 grad
160
Identity
Is Empire State University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Empire State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,080 — 1% above average — while paying $11,676/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 Empire State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Empire State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #172 of 269 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 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #4 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #5 | CUNY Brooklyn College | 100 | $3,103 | $60,752 |
| #6 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 100 | $3,203 | $56,195 |
| #172 | Empire State University | 39 | $11,676 | $54,080 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Empire State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 18 in NY.
Best Programs at Empire State University
The highest-earning program at Empire State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $88,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Visual and Performing Arts, General at $31,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Empire State University earns $88,000, while a Visual and Performing Arts, General graduate earns $31,200. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $23,390 in median debt vs. $18,750 for Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,676/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 | $88,000 | $88,000 | $23,390 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other | $49,600 | $49,600 | $20,604 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $47,100 | $47,100 | $25,000 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | $44,500 | $44,500 | $24,981 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,100 | $36,100 | $18,750 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $35,300 | $35,300 | $25,250 |
| Psychology, General | $32,000 | $32,000 | $25,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $31,200 | $31,200 | $18,750 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Student Body
- 7,585 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,676
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,080
- Median Student Debt
- $18,730