University At Albany's published cost of attendance totals $28,490 annually, including $10,408 in-state tuition, $16,182 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $28,998, bringing their total cost to $46,180.
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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) | $28,490 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,998 |
| Room and Board | $16,182 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,004 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,486 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,066 |
| $30–48k | $15,895 |
| $48–75k | $19,850 |
| $75–110k | $20,811 |
| $110k+ | $25,009 |
University At Albany's published cost of attendance totals $28,490 annually, including $10,408 in-state tuition, $16,182 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $28,998, bringing their total cost to $46,180. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $18,486 across all income levels.
Financial aid reduces costs by an average of $10,004, representing meaningful savings from the sticker price. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, University At Albany costs $2,896 more annually, though this premium accompanies stronger earnings outcomes that justify the additional investment. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $13,066 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,009 for those earning over $110,000.
University At Albany's financial aid approach emphasizes accessibility for lower-income students while maintaining revenue from higher-income families. The university enrolls 42.1% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and indicating strong commitment to economic diversity.
Average financial aid savings of $10,004 represents meaningful cost reduction, though the resulting net price of $18,486 exceeds peer institutions by $2,896. This pattern suggests University At Albany invests aid dollars in expanding access rather than minimizing costs, creating pathways for first-generation and lower-income students who comprise significant shares of enrollment.
The aid structure supports the university's Mobility Engine designation by ensuring that students from modest backgrounds can afford attendance while benefiting from strong post-graduation outcomes. Students from middle-income families should expect moderate aid, while those from lower-income backgrounds receive substantial support that makes University At Albany competitive with community college alternatives.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University At Albany graduates carry median debt of $19,500, matching the peer median of $20,000 and indicating typical borrowing levels for public research universities. Debt levels span from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,360 at the 75th percentile, reflecting variation based on family financial circumstances and program duration.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, falling well within recommended guidelines for sustainable repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $20,000 with monthly payments averaging $263, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt.
Compared to private institutions, University At Albany's debt levels remain moderate, though students should carefully evaluate total family borrowing including Parent PLUS loans when planning college financing. The combination of manageable student debt and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, particularly for students who limit borrowing and graduate within four years.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University At Albany delivers strong return on educational investment through earnings that exceed expectations relative to debt levels. Graduates earn $9,039 beyond expectations compared to similar students at other institutions, ranking in the 83.8th percentile nationally for this value-added measure.
Median earnings of $67,979 rank in the 84th percentile nationally and exceed peer institutions by $7,436 annually. With median debt of $19,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that support long-term financial health.
The university ranks among the top 25% nationally for low-income earnings at $51,900, demonstrating particular effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from modest backgrounds. While net costs exceed some peer institutions, the earnings premium justifies the investment for students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes.
