SUNY College at Potsdam
SUNY College at Potsdam — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
SUNY College at Potsdam at a Glance
The State University of New York at Potsdam is a public college in Potsdam, New York, United States. Founded in 1816, it is the northernmost member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is composed of the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education and Professional Studies, and the Crane School of Music.
1816
210 years old
$60M
$60.4 million (2025)
2,519
1,750 undergrad · 769 grad
240 acres
Identity
Is SUNY College at Potsdam Worth It?
SUNY College at Potsdam offers moderate value at $13,624/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $47,866, which is 11% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% 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.
With median debt of $24,250 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How SUNY College at Potsdam compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #42 of 100 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #6 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #42 | SUNY College at Potsdam | 41 | $13,624 | $47,866 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of SUNY College at Potsdam's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NY.
Best Programs at SUNY College at Potsdam
The highest-earning program at SUNY College at Potsdam is Computer Science at $69,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at $13,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from SUNY College at Potsdam earns $69,100, while a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduate earns $13,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,624/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $69,100 | $69,100 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,100 | $40,100 | $25,123 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,700 | $33,700 | $21,659 |
| Mathematics | $32,200 | $32,200 | $25,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,900 | $30,900 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,700 | $28,700 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $27,500 | $27,500 | $25,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $25,500 | $25,500 | $26,841 |
| Psychology, General | $25,400 | $25,400 | $24,125 |
| Biology, General | $23,000 | $23,000 | $24,250 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $23,000 | $23,000 | $24,375 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $22,000 | $22,000 | $23,562 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $15,600 | $15,600 | $26,850 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $13,700 | $13,700 | $25,945 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Potsdam, NY
- Student Body
- 1,823 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,624
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,866
- Median Student Debt
- $24,250