Empire State University
Saratoga Springs, New York · Public
ROI Score: 61/100 · Fair Value
Empire State University, part of the SUNY system and headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, is a public institution that primarily serves adult learners through flexible, distance-accessible programming. Enrollment stands at 7,585 students. Its ROI score of 61 places it in the Fair Value tier, reflecting a mixed picture: low cost relative to peer public universities, reasonable earnings premium and debt-to-earnings metrics, but seriously weak completion and repayment rates. In-state tuition is just $7,648, and net price averages $11,676—well below most public flagships. Six-year median earnings reach $42,200, rising to $54,080 at ten years. The payback period of 9.8 years is longer than ideal. The completion rate of 41.2% is the sharpest concern: fewer than half of enrolled students earn a degree, which is particularly notable given that Empire State disproportionately enrolls working adults who may stop out. Repayment rates at year three are just 53.9%, suggesting a meaningful share of borrowers are in difficulty. Pell Grant recipients account for 36.8% of the student body. For adult learners who complete a credential, cost efficiency is genuine; for traditional-age students, persistence to graduation is the critical variable.
Empire State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,648/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,558/yr |
| Average net price | $11,676/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $46,704 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,080 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,730 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $199 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 41.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,585 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Empire State University is $7,648/year ($17,558/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $11,676/year, or roughly $46,704 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,989/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,679/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,730 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $199 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,080 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.44 - well within manageable territory.
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 | $8,989 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,507 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,812 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,481 |
| $110,001+ | $19,679 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students with family incomes below $30,000 pay an average net price of $8,989 per year—one of the more affordable entry points in the SUNY system. At this cost, the nursing and physical sciences pathways produce genuinely strong ROI. The risk is the 41.2% completion rate, which means low-income borrowers who stop out face debt without a credential.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($30,001–$75,000) face net prices of $10,507–$14,812. The cost efficiency is real, but the wide variance in program outcomes means choosing a high-earning major matters significantly. Business and nursing grads capture most of the value; students in lower-earning liberal arts tracks will face a longer payback relative to peers at comparable-cost publics.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($75,001 and above) pay $16,481–$19,679, bringing ESU's cost closer to other SUNY institutions. For this group, the question is whether ESU's flexible online format adds enough convenience value versus attending a more selective SUNY campus with higher completion support and networking opportunities.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Empire State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $69,365 | C+ |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $56,825 | C |
| Psychology | $49,979 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $102,384 | B+ |
| Physical Sciences, Other | $71,805 | B |
| Education, General | $50,954 | C+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $57,379 | C |
| Public Policy Analysis | $52,614 | C+ |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $39,946 | B |
| History | $45,252 | C |
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.
Registered Nursing
Nursing is ESU's highest-value credential. Year-one earnings of $94,830 and four-year earnings of $102,384 are exceptional. Median debt of $24,687 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.260 earn a B+ grade. With 92 graduates, this is a meaningful-scale program that delivers strong returns—especially given the low in-state tuition base.
Business Administration and Management
The largest program by graduates at 347 annually, Business Administration shows year-one earnings of $57,225 and four-year earnings of $69,365. Median debt of $28,710 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.502 earn a C+ grade. Outcomes are respectable given ESU's cost structure, though the high volume of graduates means job-market competition warrants consideration.
Physical Sciences, Other
With 89 graduates, this program posts year-one earnings of $59,562 and four-year earnings of $71,805. Median debt of $23,976 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.403 earn a B grade—among the stronger non-nursing outcomes at ESU. Physical sciences completers appear to enter technical or public-sector roles with solid starting compensation.
Community Organization and Advocacy
This large program (313 graduates) earns a C grade with year-one earnings of $45,544 and four-year earnings of $56,825. Median debt of $29,218 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.642 are average. The program appears to funnel students into social service and nonprofit work; earnings are modest but stable for those with mission-driven career goals.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 48.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 53.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 49.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 57.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 7,585 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 36.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,539 |
Empire State University does not report an admission rate, consistent with its open-access mission. No standardized test data is published. Admission is functionally non-selective; the challenge is not getting in but completing, given the 41.2% graduation rate.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Compared to CUNY Baruch and Brooklyn College, Empire State's earnings outcomes are lower and its completion rate is substantially weaker. ESU's primary advantage is scheduling flexibility for adult learners, not academic outcomes on traditional metrics. Among open-access publics serving non-traditional students, ESU's net price is competitive, but repayment rates lagging at 53.9% signal that the adult-learner population faces real financial strain.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire State University (this school) | 61 | $11,676 | $54,080 |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | 92 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 81 | $3,103 | $60,752 |
| Central Connecticut State University | 63 | $16,857 | $58,562 |
| Stockton University | 62 | $20,670 | $57,602 |
| University of Idaho | 59 | $14,831 | $54,670 |
Who Thrives Here
Empire State is best suited for adult, working, or transfer students who need the scheduling flexibility that only a primarily online, mentor-driven institution can provide. Students who are disciplined self-starters and have a clear career goal—particularly in business, nursing, or public administration—can extract real value from ESU's low cost. Traditional 18-year-old students seeking a residential experience and structured environment will likely find better completion support elsewhere.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Empire State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $11,676 per year leads to $46,704 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $54,080 a decade out. The payback period of 9.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 41.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $18,730 against $54,080 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.