Students at St.
Lawrence University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally for career outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations across diverse fields, reflecting the value of selective liberal arts education combined with strong alumni networks and career preparation.
St. Lawrence University delivers exceptional long-term value for students who can access it, combining the intimate learning environment of a selective liberal arts college with remarkably strong career outcomes. Located in Canton, New York, this private institution serves a more affluent student population—with about 21% receiving Pell Grants and 13% being first-generation college students—but converts that selectivity into outstanding financial returns for graduates.
What makes St. Lawrence particularly compelling is its ability to generate strong earnings outcomes across a diverse range of liberal arts and professional programs. Graduates earn a median of $67,258 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 88th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. This performance reflects both the quality of academic preparation and the strength of alumni networks that help students transition into well-paying careers.
As a medium-sized private college, St. Lawrence offers the personalized attention and close faculty relationships typical of elite liberal arts institutions, while maintaining strong connections to employers and graduate programs. The university's position as a "Selective Achiever" in mobility outcomes means it serves fewer low-income students but delivers exceptional results for those it enrolls, making it an attractive option for families who can manage the higher costs and want confidence in long-term career prospects.
St. Lawrence University's program portfolio demonstrates the earning potential of a well-rounded liberal arts education combined with strong professional preparation. Business and Applied Economics lead both in enrollment and financial outcomes, with Business graduates earning around $47,846 and Applied Economics majors reaching $48,600 in early career earnings. These programs represent the university's strength in preparing students for competitive business and finance careers while maintaining the analytical and communication skills emphasized in liberal arts education.
The university's approach to mathematics and quantitative fields shows particular strength, with Mathematics graduates earning $42,682 despite smaller program size. This reflects St. Lawrence's ability to prepare students for specialized careers in finance, technology, and graduate study. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Psychology show respectable outcomes at $31,314, indicating that the university's career services, alumni networks, and academic preparation help students across disciplines achieve meaningful career success.
What distinguishes St. Lawrence is how consistently programs across the curriculum translate into strong career outcomes. The combination of rigorous academic preparation, close faculty mentorship, and extensive alumni connections creates pathways into competitive industries and graduate programs that justify the premium of private education through sustained earning power over time.
St. Lawrence University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $67,258, ranking in the 88th percentile for earnings among all institutions. This performance reflects the university's success in preparing students for careers that offer both immediate earning potential and long-term growth opportunities.
The university's program mix contributes significantly to these outcomes. Business and Applied Economics represent the largest and most financially successful programs, with Business graduates earning around $47,846 and Applied Economics majors reaching $48,600 in early career earnings. These programs combine strong foundational training with practical skills that translate directly into marketplace value. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Psychology show respectable outcomes at $31,314, while specialized programs like Mathematics demonstrate the breadth of career paths available to St. Lawrence graduates.
What distinguishes St. Lawrence is how consistently its graduates outperform expectations across different fields of study. The combination of rigorous academic preparation, close faculty mentorship, and extensive alumni networks creates pathways into competitive industries and graduate programs. Students benefit from the reputation and connections that come with a selective liberal arts education, translating into career opportunities that justify the institution's higher costs through sustained earning power over time.
St. Lawrence University operates at a higher price point typical of selective private liberal arts colleges, with affordability varying significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $12,250 annually after aid, a relatively manageable amount that reflects the university's commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds. Middle-income families face annual costs around $21,671, while high-income families pay closer to $40,029, representing the full premium of private education.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making attendance possible for students across income levels, though the structure clearly favors families with greater financial resources. For those who can access St. Lawrence, the investment often proves worthwhile given the strong long-term earnings outcomes. The institution's ability to deliver top-tier career results helps justify the higher upfront costs, particularly for families who view education as a long-term investment in earning potential.
Debt levels reflect the private college premium but remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Federal student loan debt averages $27,000, while Parent PLUS borrowing reaches $35,721—both figures that align with the earning power St. Lawrence graduates demonstrate over time. The university's strong loan repayment rates and zero default rate indicate that most families successfully manage the financial commitment, supported by the career outcomes that make repayment feasible.
St Lawrence University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
