Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York · Private Nonprofit · 45.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 76/100 · Strong Value
Syracuse University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $65,528/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $65,528/yr |
| Average net price | $38,793/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $155,172 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $79,164 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $276 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 83.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,477 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $15,817 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,845 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,132 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,780 |
| $110,001+ | $55,401 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Syracuse University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $65,694 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $68,219 | D |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $90,535 | C+ |
| Economics | $83,649 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $120,274 | B |
| Information Science | $104,842 | B |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $76,367 | C+ |
| International Relations | $75,239 | C |
| Marketing | $91,235 | C+ |
| Journalism | $70,404 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Syracuse University is $65,528/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $38,793/year, or roughly $155,172 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,817/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $55,401/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 $79,164 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 81.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 84.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 87.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 630-720 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-720 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 29-32 |
| Enrollment | 15,477 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 17.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,189 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University (this school) | 76 | $38,793 | $79,164 |
| Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | 94 | $29,882 | $131,426 |
| Adelphi University | 75 | $30,783 | $75,482 |
| Texas Christian University | 71 | $36,660 | $68,424 |
| National University | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| Baylor University | 63 | $41,104 | $65,793 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Syracuse University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $38,793 per year ($155,172 over four years), graduates earn a median of $79,164 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.7 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: a 83.6% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $26,000 against $79,164 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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.