SUNY College at Potsdam ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$34,848
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,440/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
155%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for SUNY Potsdam graduates is $24,250. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $31,231. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $39,440, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $47,866. The annual in-state tuition cost is $8,712.
Based on the provided data, it would take less than one year for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition cost. The one-year earnings are more than three times the cost of tuition. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.77 based on the one-year earnings.
The college has an acceptance rate of 85.5% and a graduation rate of 48.9%. The retention rate is 77.9%, and 64.3% of students receive financial aid. The total student population is 1,951.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,712
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,440
Graduation Rate
49%
Receive Financial Aid
64%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $51,624 | 854% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $49,556 | 735% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,426 | 1130% |
| Psychology, General | $41,677 | 283% |
| Music | $40,627 | 223% |
| Biology, General | $46,967 | 587% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,468 | 214% |
| Mathematics | $50,376 | 782% |
| History | $32,582 | N/A |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,329 | 722% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $29,540 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
155%
20yr ROI
268%
20yr ROI
153%
20yr ROI
124%
20yr ROI
238%
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.