Students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes available in American higher education, with graduates earning far more than peers at virtually any other institution.
The college's specialized focus on pharmacy and health sciences creates exceptional earning potential that places it in the top 1% nationally for both overall and low-income student outcomes.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences delivers exceptional financial outcomes that place it among the very top institutions nationwide for long-term return on investment. With graduates earning a median of $131,426 ten years after enrollment, the college ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for earnings—meaning graduates out-earn peers at virtually all other colleges and universities. This specialized institution focuses exclusively on pharmacy, health sciences, and related professional programs, creating a concentrated pathway to high-demand healthcare careers.
The college's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its approach: while access is more limited than at broad-access institutions, students who enroll see remarkable financial outcomes. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from low-income backgrounds earn a median of $108,100 ten years out—placing the institution in the top 1% nationally for low-income student earnings. The college's specialized mission means students enter well-defined career tracks with strong earning potential and job security.
As a small private institution in Albany, New York, the college combines the focused curriculum of a professional school with the personalized attention of a small college environment. For students certain about healthcare careers, particularly pharmacy, the institution offers one of the clearest paths to financial success available in higher education today.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences operates with a focused curriculum centered on pharmacy, health sciences, and related professional fields rather than offering the broad program mix typical of larger universities. This specialized approach means virtually all graduates enter high-demand healthcare careers with strong earning potential and job security. The college's concentrated mission creates intensive preparation for professional licensure and direct pathways into well-compensated positions.
The institution's strength lies in its deep expertise in pharmacy education and health sciences, fields that consistently deliver exceptional financial returns. Graduates typically pursue careers as pharmacists in clinical, retail, hospital, or research settings, with many eventually specializing in areas like clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, or healthcare administration. The college's small size allows for personalized mentoring and hands-on training that prepares students thoroughly for professional practice.
While the program portfolio is narrower than comprehensive universities, this focus creates remarkable consistency in outcomes. Students know they're preparing for specific healthcare professions with predictable career trajectories and strong compensation. The college's location in New York's Capital Region provides access to diverse healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, supporting both immediate job placement and long-term career advancement in the rapidly growing healthcare sector.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences delivers some of the strongest financial returns available in American higher education. Graduates earn a median of $131,426 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 99th percentile nationally—meaning graduates out-earn peers at virtually every other college or university. Even more impressive, graduates earn about $60,453 more than similar students at other institutions, representing one of the largest earnings advantages we track. This exceptional performance reflects the college's focus on pharmacy and health sciences, fields with strong job security and high compensation.
The institution's specialized curriculum creates remarkably consistent outcomes across its programs. While the college doesn't offer the broad program mix of larger universities, its concentrated focus on pharmacy, health sciences, and related professional fields means virtually all graduates enter high-demand healthcare careers. Pharmacy graduates typically see strong early-career earnings that continue to grow as they establish practices or advance in clinical, research, or administrative roles. The college's small size and professional focus create intensive preparation for licensure exams and direct pathways into well-compensated healthcare positions.
Earnings growth continues well beyond graduation, with many graduates seeing substantial increases as they gain experience and potentially pursue advanced certifications or specialized practice areas. The college's location in New York's Capital Region provides access to diverse healthcare systems, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, supporting both immediate job placement and long-term career advancement.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences requires a significant upfront investment, with net prices that reflect its status as a specialized private institution. Low-income students pay about $15,549 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $22,173 per year, and higher-income families pay approximately $30,708. These prices are higher than typical public universities but remain competitive with other private professional programs, especially considering the exceptional earning outcomes graduates achieve.
The college's aid structure helps make the investment more manageable for many families. Nearly 30% of students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating meaningful support for lower-income students, though the institution serves fewer low-income students than broad-access public universities. The financial aid office works to structure packages that balance grants, work opportunities, and reasonable borrowing levels, recognizing that graduates will have strong earning capacity to manage educational debt.
What makes the investment particularly sustainable is the predictable career outcomes and strong earning potential. With graduates consistently achieving six-figure salaries and entering stable healthcare professions, families can approach borrowing decisions with confidence about future repayment capacity. The specialized nature of the programs means students generally know their career direction early, allowing for informed financial planning throughout their education.
Albany College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
