SUNY Old Westbury combines exceptional affordability with strong earnings outcomes relative to investment. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university delivers $13,460 in value-added earnings while maintaining debt levels well below peer institutions, supporting long-term financial stability.
With above-average tier performance, driven by favorable debt-to-earnings ratios and positive value-added outcomes
With excellent tier performance, reflecting exceptional value through controlled costs and strong financial aid
With strong tier performance, indicating effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement
With strong tier performance, indicating effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisSUNY Old Westbury delivers exceptional return on investment through a combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled educational costs. Graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 68th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $13,460 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 89.6th percentile nationally on this critical value measure. Earnings range from $39,192 at the 25th percentile to $85,776 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across academic programs.
Students seeking affordable public education with strong earnings outcomes relative to investment. Well-suited for first-generation college students and those pursuing business, education, or social sciences fields who prioritize manageable debt levels and positive return on investment over admission selectivity.
SUNY Old Westbury admits approximately 84.6% of applicants, making admission accessible for most qualified students. This admission rate means roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive an offer of admission, placing the institution in the Open Access category for selectivity.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that SUNY Old Westbury's acceptance rate aligns exactly with similar institutions, representing typical accessibility for medium-sized public colleges. This level of openness means that students with solid academic preparation generally have strong prospects for admission.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
SUNY Old Westbury's published cost of attendance totals $19,934 annually, including $8,379 in in-state tuition, $13,440 for room and board, and $2,500 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,289, bringing their total cost to $19,934.
However, the average student pays just $9,900 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $10,034 from the sticker price. This net price falls $4,193 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning SUNY Old Westbury as an exceptionally affordable option among similar institutions.
The 50% reduction from sticker to net price demonstrates the institution's commitment to affordability through comprehensive financial aid packaging. Students and families should expect that published costs significantly overstate actual expenses for most enrolled students, with financial aid covering approximately half of total educational expenses on average.
The controlled cost structure, combined with effective financial aid administration, creates conditions where students from diverse economic backgrounds can access higher education without excessive financial burden.
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
91 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
19 graduates
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching.
43 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
61 graduates
American History (United States).
35 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Maryland-Baltimore County Similar quality tier (#193 ranked) | MD | 74% | $69,960 | #193 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Suny Old Westbury hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/suny-old-westbury/analysis.
Top-tier affordability with strong value outcomes
SUNY Old Westbury ranks #187 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with affordability performance leading at the 92.1st percentile nationally. Located in Old Westbury, New York, this medium-sized public institution maintains open access admission standards with an 84.6% acceptance rate while delivering strong value outcomes.
SUNY Old Westbury enrolls 47.4% Pell-eligible students and 39.4% first-generation students, demonstrating significant commitment to educational access. Graduates earn $13,460 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 89.6th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
Median earnings reach $58,526 ten years after enrollment, placing SUNY Old Westbury in the 68th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $8,410 more annually.
This combination of accessible admission, above-average access for underserved populations, and strong economic outcomes positions SUNY Old Westbury as an Opportunity Builder institution.
The institution balances accessible admission standards with meaningful academic expectations, as evidenced by the 73.5% retention rate and outcomes that exceed expectations for similar student populations. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that focus should shift from admission strategy to academic preparation and program fit.
Students should expect that meeting basic academic requirements will likely result in admission, allowing them to concentrate on whether SUNY Old Westbury's programs and outcomes align with their educational and career goals. The combination of open access admission with strong value-added performance makes this institution particularly relevant for students prioritizing educational opportunity and return on investment.
SUNY Old Westbury graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with consistent upward trajectory from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings rise from $43,671 six years after enrollment to $55,233 at eight years and $58,526 at ten years, representing 34% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 765 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $13,460 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing SUNY Old Westbury in the 89.6th percentile for value-added performance.
Low-income graduates earn $44,600, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $39,192 at the 25th percentile to $85,776 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 19.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The peer comparison shows SUNY Old Westbury graduates earning $8,410 more annually than typical graduates from similar institutions.
SUNY Old Westbury offers 15 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome tracking. Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping ranks #113 nationally and #12 in New York state, producing 91 graduates with median earnings of $65,257 and a value score of 59.3.
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks exceptionally well at #3 nationally and #3 in New York state, graduating 43 students with median earnings of $56,926 and an outstanding value score of 99.1. Criminology ranks #24 nationally and #3 in New York state, graduating 70 students with median earnings of $47,612.
American History ranks #92 nationally and #14 in New York state, with 35 graduates earning $48,455. Psychology, General represents the institution's largest program, graduating 150 students annually with median earnings of $42,411.
The program portfolio demonstrates strength across business, education, social sciences, and humanities fields.
University Of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Similar quality tier (#177 ranked) | CO | 78% | $64,270 | #177 | Compare |
Stockton University Similar quality tier in Northeast (#199 ranked) | NJ | 88% | $57,602 | #199 | Compare |
Cuny Graduate School And University Center Similar quality tier in Northeast (#203 ranked) | NY | 39% | $65,991 | #203 | Compare |
Sonoma State University Similar quality tier (#206 ranked) | CA | 95% | $65,986 | #206 | Compare |
