State University of New York at Cortland
State University of New York at Cortland — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
State University of New York at Cortland at a Glance
The State University of New York at Cortland is a public university in Cortland, New York, United States. It was founded in 1868 and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
1868
158 years old
$77M
$76.9 million (2025)
6,981
5,892 undergrad · 1,089 grad
211 acres
Identity
Is State University of New York at Cortland Worth It?
State University of New York at Cortland offers moderate value at $22,345/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $60,236, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How State University of New York at Cortland compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #22 of 58 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 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | CUNY York College | 100 | $4,456 | $56,945 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | University of Florida-Online | 100 | $4,815 | $71,588 |
| #5 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | 90 | $9,492 | $59,649 |
| #6 | University of West Florida | 79 | $9,364 | $49,137 |
| #22 | State University of New York at Cortland | 46 | $22,345 | $60,236 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of State University of New York at Cortland's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in NY.
Best Programs at State University of New York at Cortland
The highest-earning program at State University of New York at Cortland is Special Education and Teaching at $41,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at $23,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Special Education and Teaching graduate from State University of New York at Cortland earns $41,800, while a Communication Disorders Sciences and Services graduate earns $23,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Special Education and Teaching graduates carry $23,125 in median debt vs. $21,130 for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,345/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching | $41,800 | $41,800 | $23,125 |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $37,600 | $37,600 | $22,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,100 | $35,100 | $21,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $34,500 | $34,500 | $18,125 |
| Sociology | $34,100 | $34,100 | $21,265 |
| Biology, General | $33,500 | $33,500 | $24,750 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $33,000 | $33,000 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,100 | $32,100 | $22,411 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,900 | $31,900 | $23,000 |
| Criminology | $31,400 | $31,400 | $19,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,900 | $29,900 | $21,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,600 | $27,600 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General | $27,300 | $27,300 | $20,500 |
| History | $25,800 | $25,800 | $22,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $23,300 | $23,300 | $21,130 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Cortland, NY
- Student Body
- 5,901 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,345
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,236
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500