SUNY Oneonta's published cost of attendance is $27,258 per year, including $8,812 in in-state tuition, $19,232 for out-of-state students, $15,810 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $18,833 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,425 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $27,258 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,232 |
| Room and Board | $15,810 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,425 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,833 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,716 |
| $30–48k | $15,318 |
| $48–75k | $17,775 |
| $75–110k | $19,935 |
| $110k+ | $24,749 |
SUNY Oneonta's published cost of attendance is $27,258 per year, including $8,812 in in-state tuition, $19,232 for out-of-state students, $15,810 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $18,833 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,425 from the sticker price. This net price sits $4,740 below the peer median of $14,093, making SUNY Oneonta more expensive than comparable public institutions in its peer group.
The substantial gap between published prices and actual costs reflects the institution's financial aid efforts, though net prices remain higher than similar universities. New York residents benefit from the lower in-state tuition rate, while out-of-state students face the full published tuition. The difference between in-state and out-of-state costs creates a significant price advantage for New York residents, with out-of-state students paying approximately $10,420 more annually in tuition alone.
Financial aid at SUNY Oneonta concentrates support toward students from lower-income backgrounds, with 33.3% of students qualifying for federal Pell grants compared to the national average of approximately 35%. The $8,425 difference between published and net prices indicates meaningful aid distribution, though the above-peer net price suggests aid may not fully offset higher base costs.
Aid targeting appears effective for lower-income families, as evidenced by the substantial reduction in net price for families earning under $30,000. The financial aid profile supports the institution's role as an Opportunity Builder, serving diverse student populations while managing affordability concerns.
State funding for SUNY institutions provides a foundation for aid programs, supplemented by federal Pell grants and institutional scholarships. The 33% Pell share indicates significant enrollment of aid-eligible students, requiring substantial aid resources to maintain accessibility.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at SUNY Oneonta remain manageable relative to graduate earnings outcomes. The median debt of $19,812 sits slightly below the peer median of $21,105, indicating controlled borrowing despite higher net prices.
Debt distribution ranges from $9,000 at the 25th percentile to $26,774 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates that typical graduates can expect annual loan payments representing about one-third of first-year earnings, which falls within manageable ranges for most career paths.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $20,132 with monthly payments of $265, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The $1,293 difference between SUNY Oneonta's median debt and peer institutions suggests slightly higher borrowing, though this remains offset by stronger earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
SUNY Oneonta delivers solid long-term value despite higher upfront costs compared to peer institutions. Graduates earn $10,270 more annually than the peer median, helping offset the $4,740 higher net price through improved career earnings.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates manageable loan payments relative to income, supporting long-term financial stability. While earnings beyond expectations register slightly negative at -$2,558, the institution's strong mobility performance and above-peer earnings suggest effective outcomes for the populations served.
The return index percentile of 48% places the institution around the national average for overall return on investment, indicating typical performance when balancing costs against outcomes. Above-average mobility performance at the 84th percentile demonstrates the institution's effectiveness in generating economic advancement for diverse student populations.
