Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science
Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,145 — 14% below average — while paying $26,683/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #70 of 112 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #3 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #70 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science | 22 | $26,683 | $46,145 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in NY.
Best Programs at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science
The highest-earning program at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science is Natural Resources Management and Policy at $31,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Culinary Arts and Related Services at $27,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Natural Resources Management and Policy graduate from Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science earns $31,400, while a Culinary Arts and Related Services graduate earns $27,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Culinary Arts and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,683/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Management and Policy | $31,400 | $31,400 | $27,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | $27,000 | $27,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Paul Smiths, NY
- Student Body
- 579 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,683
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,145
- Median Student Debt
- $22,750