Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$128,196
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,325/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
38.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-48%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Paul Smiths College is $32,049. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $35,524. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $38,325, and after ten years, the median earnings are $46,145. The median debt for graduates is $22,750, and 75.9% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the one-year earnings after graduation are slightly higher than the annual tuition cost. The five-year earnings are also higher than the tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$32,049
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,325
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
76%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Management and Policy | $50,456 | 141% |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | $34,489 | N/A |
| Forestry | $47,651 | 97% |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $0 | N/A |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $0 | N/A |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering-Related Technologies | $0 | N/A |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
-48%
20yr ROI
-29%
20yr ROI
-71%
20yr ROI
14%
20yr ROI
-49%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.