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Empire State University vs State University of New York at Cortland: which has better ROI?

Public, Saratoga Springs NY · vs · Public, Cortland NY

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

State University of New York at Cortland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,380 in 7.5 years versus 8.2 years at Empire State University, on median earnings of $60,236 vs $54,080 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEmpire State UniversityState University of New York at Cortland
Net price / yr$11,676$22,345
Total net cost$46,704$89,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,080$60,236
Median debt$18,730$21,500
Payback8.2 yrs7.5 yrs
20-year net return$67,696$148,140

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland?

Empire State University, at $11,676 a year after aid versus $22,345 — a gap of $10,669 a year, or $42,676 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn more?

State University of New York at Cortland graduates report a median $60,236 ten years after entry, $6,156 more than the $54,080 at Empire State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland?

Empire State University: its completers carry a median $18,730 in federal loans versus $21,500 at State University of New York at Cortland, a difference of $2,770. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at State University of New York at Cortland, against 41% at Empire State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Empire State University vs State University of New York at Cortland: frequently asked questions

Is Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland a better value?
State University of New York at Cortland. It clears its $89,380 net cost in about 7.5 years versus 8.2 years at Empire State University, on median earnings of $60,236 vs $54,080 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland?
Empire State University: $11,676/yr net price after aid versus $22,345/yr at State University of New York at Cortland — a difference of $10,669 a year, or about $42,676 over four years.
Do Empire State University or State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn more?
State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn a median $60,236 ten years after entry, versus $54,080 at Empire State University — a $6,156 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.