Students at State University of New York at Cortland achieve above-average earnings that place the institution in the top 30% nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
Graduates successfully manage their educational investments, with zero federal loan defaults and solid career preparation across education and health science fields.
State University of New York at Cortland delivers consistent value for students seeking a comprehensive public university experience. While specific national ranking data isn't available in our dataset, the institution demonstrates above-average performance in long-term earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $60,236 ten years after enrollment. This places SUNY Cortland in the 70th percentile nationally for earnings, reflecting solid return on investment for students across various academic programs.
The university serves a diverse student body with about 27% receiving Pell Grants and 27% being first-generation college students, while maintaining strong graduation rates of 68% within six years. Located in Cortland, New York, this medium-sized public institution offers the personal attention of a smaller campus with the resources and academic breadth typical of the SUNY system.
What distinguishes SUNY Cortland is its ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers across education, health sciences, and liberal arts fields. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs combined with reasonable costs makes it an attractive option for families seeking reliable outcomes without excessive financial risk.
State University of New York at Cortland's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive teaching institution, with particular strength in education and health-related fields. Exercise Science and Kinesiology dominates enrollment with 300 graduates, combining the university's largest program scale with solid career outcomes in fitness, rehabilitation, and health promotion sectors. Agricultural Teacher Education, while more specialized, produces 191 graduates who enter stable teaching careers with median earnings around $38,108.
The highest individual earnings come from specialized education programs, particularly Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed, where 71 graduates earn approximately $46,087 early in their careers. This reflects the strong demand for special education professionals and the premium that school districts pay for specialized training. Psychology, with 99 graduates earning around $26,353, represents a foundational program that often serves as preparation for graduate study or entry-level positions in human services.
As a medium-sized institution, SUNY Cortland graduates meaningful cohorts in each program area, creating solid alumni networks within New York's education and health sectors. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented training ensures that graduates enter fields with clear employment pathways and opportunities for professional advancement, particularly within public service careers that offer stability and benefits.
Graduates of State University of New York at Cortland achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $60,236 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the 70th percentile nationally for earnings, demonstrating above-average return on investment. Students also benefit from modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $1,120 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.
The strongest financial returns come from education-focused programs, which dominate SUNY Cortland's academic portfolio. Exercise Science and Kinesiology leads with 300 graduates earning around $33,993 early in their careers, while Agricultural Teacher Education produces 191 graduates with median earnings of $38,108. Education programs for students with developmental delays show the highest individual earnings at $46,087, though with smaller enrollment. Psychology graduates, while numerous at 99 students, tend to see more modest early earnings around $26,353, typical for this foundational field that often requires additional training for higher-paying roles.
The university's career outcomes reflect its mission as a comprehensive teaching institution, with many graduates entering stable public service careers in education, health, and social services. These fields typically offer steady employment and benefits, contributing to long-term financial security even when starting salaries appear moderate compared to business or technology fields.
State University of New York at Cortland offers predictable and reasonable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $11,272 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $18,050 per year, and higher-income families pay about $23,422. These prices align closely with national averages for public universities, placing the institution in the 52nd percentile for affordability, making it accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates. Students typically leave with about $21,500 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,264, reflecting moderate family contributions to education costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
The combination of moderate net prices and strong earnings outcomes creates a sustainable financial picture for most SUNY Cortland students. With median earnings approaching $60,236 by the ten-year mark, graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building long-term financial stability. This balance of reasonable costs and reliable outcomes makes the university particularly attractive to middle-class families seeking predictable educational investments.
State University Of New York At Cortland Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
