Students at State University of New York at New Paltz achieve above-average earnings that support long-term financial stability and meaningful career advancement.
The university excels at converting broad educational access into economic mobility, particularly for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking reliable pathways to middle-class careers.
Azimuth ranks State University of New York at New Paltz among the stronger public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its solid balance of affordability, access, and long-term outcomes. The university serves a diverse student body with nearly 33% receiving Pell Grants and 32% being first-generation college students, yet still delivers median earnings of $58,073 ten years after enrollment. This combination places New Paltz in the "Mobility Engine" category, indicating strong access paired with meaningful upward economic mobility.
What distinguishes SUNY New Paltz is its ability to support students from varied backgrounds into stable, middle-class careers. The university maintains reasonable net prices across income levels while graduating students who achieve above-average earnings compared with similar institutions. Psychology represents the largest program by total economic impact, while engineering fields like Electrical and Electronics Engineering deliver some of the highest individual earnings at around $68,219 ten years out.
As a medium-sized public university in New York's Hudson Valley, SUNY New Paltz offers the personal attention of a smaller institution with the resources and program breadth of a larger system. For families seeking predictable costs, broad access, and reliable long-term financial outcomes, New Paltz represents a solid public option that consistently converts educational opportunity into economic advancement.
State University of New York at New Paltz offers a diverse program portfolio that provides multiple pathways to career success, though earnings outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Psychology dominates the university's economic impact with 194 graduates generating the highest aggregate return, despite individual earnings around $29,882 that reflect the field's broad career applications and often requiring additional training for higher-level positions.
Engineering programs deliver the strongest individual financial outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning approximately $68,219 ten years after graduation. This represents nearly double the earnings of many other fields and demonstrates the university's strength in technical disciplines that lead directly to well-paying careers in New York's technology and manufacturing sectors.
The university's program mix reflects a comprehensive approach to higher education, balancing liberal arts foundations with professional preparation. While some programs like Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology show lower initial earnings around $22,192, these fields typically require graduate study for full professional development and often lead to stable, service-oriented careers. Students should carefully consider their field of study, as program choice significantly influences both immediate and long-term financial outcomes at SUNY New Paltz.
Graduates of State University of New York at New Paltz achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,073 ten years after enrollment. This places the university above average nationally for earnings performance, ranking in the 71st percentile among similar institutions. While earnings are slightly below what might be expected based on student characteristics, the difference is modest and graduates still achieve meaningful financial stability in their careers.
Program choice significantly influences earnings outcomes at SUNY New Paltz. Psychology, the university's largest program with 194 graduates, generates the highest aggregate economic return despite individual earnings of around $29,882. Engineering fields deliver the strongest individual outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning approximately $68,219 ten years out. Other programs show more moderate earnings, with some fields like Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology starting around $22,192, though these often require graduate study for full career development.
The university's program mix reflects a comprehensive liberal arts and professional focus, with substantial enrollment in psychology, education, and engineering. This diversity provides students multiple pathways to stable middle-class careers, though students should carefully consider their field of study as earnings vary considerably by major. Overall, SUNY New Paltz delivers reliable financial outcomes that support long-term economic stability for graduates across various career paths.
State University of New York at New Paltz maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $11,330 annually in net price, well below national averages for public universities. Middle-income families see costs around $19,631 per year, while higher-income families pay about $25,074 annually. This progressive pricing structure ensures that families pay proportionally based on their financial capacity.
Debt levels remain manageable for most SUNY New Paltz graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $18,750, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings of $58,073 ten years after graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,016, reflecting moderate family contributions to educational costs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after leaving school.
The combination of reasonable net prices and manageable debt loads creates a sustainable financial model for most families. With above-average earnings outcomes and below-average debt burdens, SUNY New Paltz graduates typically find themselves in strong positions to handle loan repayment while building long-term financial security. This balance makes the university particularly attractive to cost-conscious families seeking reliable educational value.
State University Of New York At New Paltz Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
