University at Albany
University at Albany — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University at Albany at a Glance
The State University of New York at Albany is a public research university in Albany, New York, United States. Founded in 1844, it is one of four "university centers" of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and the most senior (oldest) by date of founding. In 2024, the university enrolled 17,567 students in nine schools and colleges, which offer over 50 undergraduate majors and over 150 graduate degree programs. Portions of the campus extend into Guilderland, and the health sciences c…
1844
182 years old
$197M
$197.3 million (2025)
17,426
12,889 undergrad · 4,537 grad
1,421 acres
Identity
How to Apply to University at Albany
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Is University at Albany Worth It?
University at Albany delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $17,167/year, it's priced 16% below average, while graduates go on to earn $67,979 — 26% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University at Albany compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #16 of 47 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 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | CUNY City College | 100 | $3,776 | $66,039 |
| #4 | CUNY Queens College | 100 | $4,195 | $62,763 |
| #5 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | 93 | $16,504 | $84,276 |
| #6 | Farmingdale State College | 88 | $10,867 | $69,781 |
| #16 | University at Albany | 62 | $17,167 | $67,979 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University at Albany's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in NY.
Best Programs at University at Albany
The highest-earning program at University at Albany is Accounting and Related Services at $49,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $24,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from University at Albany earns $49,300, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $24,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $20,500 in median debt vs. $21,500 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,167/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,300 | $49,300 | $20,500 |
| Information Science/Studies | $42,200 | $42,200 | $23,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $41,500 | $41,500 | $20,500 |
| Economics | $38,100 | $38,100 | $21,423 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,100 | $36,100 | $20,500 |
| Criminology | $34,200 | $34,200 | $18,979 |
| Mathematics | $33,100 | $33,100 | $24,994 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | $32,900 | $32,900 | $19,062 |
| History | $32,700 | $32,700 | $19,500 |
| Journalism | $31,200 | $31,200 | $20,500 |
| Sociology | $30,000 | $30,000 | $21,116 |
| Political Science and Government | $29,500 | $29,500 | $20,844 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $28,000 | $28,000 | $20,500 |
| International/Global Studies | $27,900 | $27,900 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General | $27,800 | $27,800 | $19,608 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $26,200 | $26,200 | $20,500 |
| Biology, General | $25,000 | $25,000 | $20,334 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $24,700 | $24,700 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Albany, NY
- Student Body
- 12,564 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,167
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,979
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500