Empire State University vs State University of New York at New Paltz: which has better ROI?
State University of New York at New Paltz has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,236 in 7.7 years versus 8.2 years at Empire State University, on median earnings of $58,073 vs $54,080 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Empire State University | State University of New York at New Paltz |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,676 | $18,809 |
| Total net cost | $46,704 | $75,236 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,080 | $58,073 |
| Median debt | $18,730 | $18,750 |
| Payback | 8.2 yrs | 7.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $67,696 | $119,024 |
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 New Paltz?
Empire State University, at $11,676 a year after aid versus $18,809 — a gap of $7,133 a year, or $28,532 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 New Paltz graduates earn more?
State University of New York at New Paltz graduates report a median $58,073 ten years after entry, $3,993 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 New Paltz?
Empire State University: its completers carry a median $18,730 in federal loans versus $18,750 at State University of New York at New Paltz, a difference of $20. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at State University of New York at New Paltz, 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.