Students at the University at Albany achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning approximately $9,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university's strength in promoting economic mobility places it among the top performers nationally for helping students from all backgrounds achieve meaningful financial advancement.
Azimuth ranks the University at Albany among the top public universities nationwide for delivering strong value across multiple dimensions. Located in New York's capital region, this large public research university serves over 42% Pell Grant recipients and 30% first-generation students while maintaining impressive long-term outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $67,979 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings performance.
What distinguishes Albany is its classification as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with exceptional outcomes for low-income students. The university delivers earnings beyond expectations of over $9,000 compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting its ability to add substantial value regardless of student background. This performance is particularly notable given Albany's accessible admission profile and diverse student body.
The University at Albany represents an increasingly rare combination in public higher education: genuine accessibility paired with strong financial outcomes. For families seeking a large research university experience with predictable costs and reliable career preparation, Albany offers compelling value in New York's competitive higher education landscape.
The University at Albany offers a diverse program portfolio that provides multiple pathways to career success. Business Administration stands out as both the highest aggregate-return program and one of the largest, graduating 304 students annually with early-career earnings around $38,289. This combination of scale and solid outcomes makes business a cornerstone of Albany's economic impact, connecting students to opportunities throughout the Northeast corridor.
Accounting programs deliver some of the university's strongest individual earnings outcomes at $49,962, reflecting high employer demand in Albany's government and finance sectors. Psychology remains the most popular major with 318 graduates, serving students interested in human services, education, and graduate school preparation, though early earnings start more modestly at $26,005. Biology programs, while showing lower initial earnings at $22,290, often serve as preparation for medical school and other advanced degrees.
Albany's program mix reflects both regional workforce needs and student interests, with particular strength in business, social sciences, and life sciences. The university's location in New York's capital provides unique advantages for students in public administration, criminal justice, and policy-related fields, while its research university status supports strong preparation for graduate and professional programs across disciplines.
Graduates of the University at Albany achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $67,979, with the university ranking in the 80th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. More importantly, Albany graduates earn approximately $9,039 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add substantial value through its academic programs and career preparation.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, creating opportunities across different fields of study. Business Administration graduates, representing the university's largest high-return program with 304 graduates, earn around $38,289 early in their careers while providing the strongest aggregate economic impact. Accounting programs deliver some of the highest individual earnings at $49,962, reflecting strong employer demand in the Albany region's government and finance sectors. Psychology remains the most popular major with 318 graduates, though earnings start more modestly at $26,005, while Biology graduates begin around $22,290 but often pursue graduate education that enhances long-term prospects.
The university's location in New York's capital region provides graduates access to diverse career opportunities in government, healthcare, education, and business services. This geographic advantage, combined with Albany's strong alumni network throughout the Northeast, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations compared with peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The University at Albany maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout New York and beyond. Low-income students pay approximately $13,066 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $19,850 per year. Even high-income families pay $25,009, representing reasonable value for a comprehensive research university experience in New York state.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $19,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $20,000. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by solid post-graduation earnings. Most borrowers demonstrate healthy repayment patterns, with loan balances declining steadily over time rather than growing due to inadequate payments.
Albany's affordability story is strengthened by its strong return on investment. With graduates earning nearly $68,000 ten years out and achieving earnings beyond expectations of over $9,000, the university provides clear financial value that justifies the upfront investment. This combination of reasonable costs and strong outcomes makes Albany particularly attractive for middle-class families seeking predictable expenses and reliable career preparation.
University At Albany Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
