Alfred University
Alfred, New York · Private Nonprofit · 73.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 43/100 · Poor Value
Alfred University is a small private institution in upstate New York with a distinctive ceramic engineering and fine arts identity, scoring 43 on the CampusROI scale -- Poor Value tier. The cost stack is high: $41,500 sticker tuition, $25,620 average net price, and a $102,480 four-year total. Outcomes are mixed: 10-year median earnings of $54,897 produce a 19.4% earnings premium (sub-score 40) and a 12.2-year payback period (sub-score 48). Median debt of $26,000 against those earnings yields a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio (sub-score 21), the weakest input. Repayment at 79.6% (sub-score 70) is solid, signaling that graduates do reliably service their loans. Completion at 57% (sub-score 54) is reasonable. The institutional pattern is notably bimodal: Alfred has world-class niche programs in ceramic engineering and mechanical engineering (B grades, $79,000-$83,000 four-year earnings), but its identity as an arts-and-design destination means the largest single cohort is fine arts (63 graduates per year, F grade, debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.18). Major selection is the dominant factor in whether the math works.
The data raises concerns about Alfred University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score43/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
Alfred University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $41,500/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,500/yr |
| Average net price | $25,620/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $102,480 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,897 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $34,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $276 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,423 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Alfred University is $41,500/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $25,620/year, or roughly $102,480 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $16,512/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,388/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $276 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,897 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.74 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,512 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,067 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,125 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,280 |
| $110,001+ | $33,388 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $16,512 net annually, slightly above the $30,001-$48,000 bracket's $15,067 -- a mild inversion worth flagging. Over four years that is roughly $66,000 of cost. For Pell-eligible NY students with engineering aspirations this is workable, particularly with TAP state aid; for arts-track students at the same price point the math is much harder.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Households at $48,001-$75,000 pay $22,125 and $75,001-$110,000 pays $28,280 -- $89,000-$113,000 over four years. The math here is tight even for engineering students; for arts and humanities students at this price point, SUNY alternatives (Alfred State, Buffalo State, New Paltz) are dramatically more cost-efficient.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $33,388 net, or about $134,000 over four years. At full or near-full pay, Alfred is hard to defend on financial grounds versus SUNY engineering options for engineering students, or versus stronger private arts schools (RISD, MICA) for art students. This tier is essentially a fit-and-program-driven choice.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Alfred University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | $38,877 | F |
| Psychology | $47,445 | F |
| Mechanical Engineering | $79,452 | B |
| Teacher Education | $49,612 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,629 | D |
| Engineering, Other | $71,845 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,570 | F |
| Ceramic Sciences and Engineering | $83,641 | B |
| Accounting | $55,250 | - |
| Marketing | $55,339 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is one of Alfred's flagship ROI programs. Graduates earn $63,747 at one year and $79,452 at four years against $27,000 of debt -- a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio and a B grade. With 28 graduates per year this is one of the larger engineering cohorts. Career paths span manufacturing, materials science, and the upstate NY engineering corridor. Strong placement track.
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering is Alfred's signature niche program -- one of the few accredited ceramic engineering programs in the U.S. Graduates earn $71,644 at one year and $83,641 at four years against $27,000 of debt -- a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio and a B grade. With just 8 graduates per year this is a small but exceptionally strong cohort. Career endpoints span advanced materials, semiconductor, glass, and aerospace industries -- specialized labor markets where Alfred graduates have outsized recognition.
Fine and Studio Arts
Fine and Studio Arts is the single largest cohort at 63 graduates per year, but financially the weakest. Graduates earn $22,912 at one year and $38,877 at four years against $27,000 of debt -- a 1.18 debt-to-earnings ratio and an F grade. Debt exceeds annual earnings, which is structurally hard to recover from on a 10-year repayment plan. Alfred's School of Art and Design has strong reputation in studio practice, but the price-to-earnings math is unforgiving for most graduates.
Psychology
Psychology graduates earn $26,433 at one year and $47,445 at four years against $27,000 of debt -- a 1.02 debt-to-earnings ratio and an F grade. With 30 graduates per year this is a meaningful cohort. As is typical for bachelor's psychology, well-paid clinical paths require master's or doctoral training; the high debt load at Alfred makes the necessary graduate work even more expensive.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration graduates earn $36,059 at one year and $61,629 at four years against $26,000 of debt -- a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio and a D grade. With 21 graduates per year this is a meaningful cohort. The four-year earnings figure is reasonable but the year-one figure is weak, suggesting graduates take time to find their footing in a competitive labor market.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 73.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 79.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 73.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 540-650 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 555-660 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 1,423 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,390 |
Alfred admits 73.8% of applicants. SAT mid-50% ranges of 540-650 math and 555-660 reading, with an ACT mid-range of 24-29, indicate an academically prepared student body, particularly at the upper ends. The 57% completion rate is reasonable for the academic profile and suggests admitted students who commit generally finish. Selectivity here correlates with reasonable but not exceptional outcomes; the price-to-payoff math is the issue, not student quality.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Alfred's CampusROI peer set includes Adelphi University (NY), Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Meredith College (NC), Lubbock Christian University (TX), and Wartburg College (IA). Adelphi is a much larger NY private with comparable ROI metrics. Albany College of Pharmacy is a niche outperformer thanks to its pharmacy focus. Meredith and Wartburg are small private liberal arts comps. Lubbock Christian is mission-driven. Within this peer set Alfred sits roughly in the middle on most ROI inputs.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfred University (this school) | 43 | $25,620 | $54,897 |
| Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | 94 | $29,882 | $131,426 |
| Adelphi University | 75 | $30,783 | $75,482 |
| Wartburg College | 47 | $32,908 | $56,201 |
| Lubbock Christian University | 46 | $24,456 | $53,787 |
| Meredith College | 43 | $22,488 | $51,539 |
Who Thrives Here
With 1,423 students, a 38.5% Pell rate, and a unique ceramics-and-arts identity, Alfred fits NY students who specifically want either (a) the niche ceramic/glass/materials engineering program -- one of the few in the country -- or (b) the well-regarded fine arts program. Outcomes look strong for the engineering tracks (mechanical at $79,452, ceramic at $83,641) and respectable for business ($61,629) and teacher ed ($49,612 at $22,020 debt -- B grade). Outcomes are very weak for the largest cohort, fine arts (63 graduates, F grade), which is the financial paradox at the heart of Alfred's value proposition.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Alfred University. With a net cost of $25,620 per year and median graduate earnings of only $54,897 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 12.2 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $26,000 against $54,897 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.