Skidmore College
Skidmore College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Skidmore College at a Glance
Skidmore College is a private liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York. Approximately 2,700 students are enrolled at Skidmore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in one of more than 60 areas of study.
1903
123 years old
$528M
$528 million (2025)
2,855
378
850 acres
Identity
Is Skidmore College Worth It?
Skidmore College offers moderate value at $32,297/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $69,363, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 82% graduation rate means roughly 18% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 21% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Skidmore College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 20 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 | Davidson College | 100 | $17,379 | $81,400 |
| #2 | Trinity University | 63 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| #3 | Bates College | 53 | $29,351 | $69,498 |
| #4 | Bryn Mawr College | 49 | $31,759 | $75,217 |
| #5 | Skidmore College | 44 | $32,297 | $69,363 |
| #6 | Macalester College | 44 | $32,149 | $63,878 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Skidmore 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 Skidmore College
The highest-earning program at Skidmore College is Business/Commerce, General at $42,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $23,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Skidmore College earns $42,700, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $23,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $24,775 in median debt vs. $23,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,297/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,700 | $42,700 | $24,775 |
| Economics | $41,400 | $41,400 | $23,127 |
| Psychology, General | $33,300 | $33,300 | $23,250 |
| Political Science and Government | $28,200 | $28,200 | $21,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $24,600 | $24,600 | $20,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $23,600 | $23,600 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Student Body
- 2,694 students
- Admission Rate
- 21%
- Graduation Rate
- 82%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,297
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,363
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500