Students at Keuka College benefit from earnings that exceed expectations, particularly in the college's signature nursing and healthcare programs.
The institution provides meaningful access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking career-focused education in a supportive small-college environment.
Keuka College is a small private nonprofit institution in New York's Finger Lakes region that focuses on career-oriented programs, particularly in nursing and social work. While the college provides a personalized educational experience with strong support systems, families should carefully weigh the financial investment against expected outcomes. The institution serves a diverse student body, with about 44% receiving Pell Grants and 38% being first-generation college students, demonstrating its commitment to access.
The college's strength lies in specific professional programs, especially nursing, where graduates achieve strong earnings outcomes. However, the overall financial picture requires careful consideration, as net prices range from $18,659 for low-income families to $31,596 for higher-income households. Graduation rates hover around 49% within six years, and the college falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" category for economic mobility.
For students drawn to Keuka's intimate campus environment and specialized programs, particularly those interested in healthcare or social services, the college can provide valuable career preparation. The key is ensuring that program choice aligns with financial expectations and career goals, as outcomes vary significantly by field of study.
Keuka College's program portfolio centers on career-oriented fields that prepare students for direct entry into professional roles. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the clear financial winner, with 53 graduates earning a median of $71,015 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals and the program's effectiveness in career preparation. This represents the college's strongest return on investment and demonstrates how specialized professional programs can deliver substantial value.
Forensic Social Work dominates enrollment with 91 graduates, making it the college's largest program, though earnings are more modest at $35,060 median income. Business Administration, with 69 graduates earning around $39,639, falls in the middle range. This pattern illustrates a common dynamic at career-focused institutions: healthcare programs typically offer the strongest financial returns, while social services and general business programs provide steady but more moderate earning potential.
The concentration in helping professions—nursing, social work, and related fields—reflects Keuka's mission and regional employment needs. Students should align their program choice with both personal interests and financial expectations, as the gap between high-earning healthcare roles and other programs significantly impacts long-term affordability and debt management. The college's strength lies in preparing students for specific career paths rather than broad liberal arts education.
Keuka College graduates earn a median of $58,289 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The college shows positive earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $3,339 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that connect directly to employment opportunities.
Earnings vary dramatically by program choice at Keuka. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-return program, with 53 graduates earning a median of $71,015 ten years out, demonstrating the strong market demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration graduates earn around $39,639, while Forensic Social Work majors—the college's largest program with 91 graduates—earn approximately $35,060. This wide range underscores the importance of program selection in determining financial outcomes.
The college's career-focused approach helps explain why graduates often exceed earnings expectations despite the institution's small size. Programs are designed with direct industry connections and practical training that translates into job market success. However, students should carefully research earning potential in their chosen field, as the variation between high-earning programs like nursing and lower-earning fields can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes and debt repayment capacity.
Affordability at Keuka College presents a mixed picture that requires careful family planning. Low-income students pay a net price of $18,659 annually, which is relatively manageable for a private institution, while middle-income families face $22,008 per year. However, higher-income families see costs rise to $31,596, reflecting the college's limited ability to provide aid across all income levels.
Debt levels are a significant consideration for most Keuka students. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and many families also take on Parent PLUS loans averaging $19,597. The combination means total family borrowing often exceeds $45,000, requiring careful assessment of whether expected earnings in the chosen field can support comfortable repayment. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that most graduates manage their debt successfully, though this may reflect the institution's career-focused programs that lead to steady employment.
Families should evaluate affordability based on specific program outcomes rather than overall institutional averages. Students entering high-earning fields like nursing may find the investment worthwhile, while those in lower-earning social work or liberal arts programs need to weigh costs more carefully against expected career trajectories and earning potential.
Keuka College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
