State University of New York at Cortland ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at State University of New York at Cortland costs about $35,260 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $46,535 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.1 years (20-year ROI: 554%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$35,260
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,535/yr
above 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 at SUNY Cortland is $8,815. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Sixty percent of students receive financial aid. The school has a 68.5% graduation rate and an 80.8% retention rate. The school has an acceptance rate of 50.7% and a total student population of 5,896.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $55,341 | 1054% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $56,265 | 1106% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $51,884 | 858% |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $63,367 | 1509% |
| Psychology, General | $49,143 | 702% |
| Special Education and Teaching | $61,537 | 1405% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,282 | 597% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $64,396 | 1567% |
| Biology, General | $65,127 | 1609% |
| Criminology | $55,104 | 1040% |
| Sociology | $50,654 | 788% |
| History | $47,034 | 583% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $40,898 | 235% |
| Political Science and Government | $53,451 | 947% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $46,350 | 544% |
| Mathematics | $63,953 | 1542% |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $51,495 | 836% |
| Music | $0 | N/A |
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)
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.