State University of New York at Cortland
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$35,260
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,535/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
554%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for SUNY Cortland graduates is $21,500. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $34,559. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $46,535, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $60,236.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $8,815. With the median debt of $21,500, a graduate would need to work approximately 0.62 years to pay off their debt based on their one-year earnings. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.62 based on the one-year earnings.
The school has an acceptance rate of 50.7%, a graduation rate of 68.5%, and a retention rate of 80.8%. 60.2% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,815
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$46,535
Graduation Rate
69%
Receive Financial Aid
60%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $35,260 | $49,343 | 714% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $35,260 | $52,869 | 914% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $35,260 | $51,884 | 858% |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | $35,260 | $63,367 | 1509% |
| Psychology, General. | $35,260 | $49,143 | 702% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $35,260 | $47,282 | 597% |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $35,260 | $61,537 | 1405% |
| Biology, General. | $35,260 | $65,127 | 1609% |
| Criminology. | $35,260 | $55,104 | 1040% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $35,260 | $55,341 | 1054% |
| Sociology. | $35,260 | $50,654 | 788% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | $35,260 | $60,941 | 1371% |
Peer Comparison
554%
20yr ROI
804%
20yr ROI
592%
20yr ROI
570%
20yr ROI
308%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.