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State University of New York at Plattsburgh vs Russell Sage College: which has better ROI?

Public, Plattsburgh NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Troy 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 Plattsburgh has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,624 in 8.5 years versus 9.2 years at Russell Sage College, on median earnings of $56,403 vs $58,316 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureState University of New York at PlattsburghRussell Sage College
Net price / yr$17,156$22,917
Total net cost$68,624$91,668
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,403$58,316
Median debt$21,196$22,000
Payback8.5 yrs9.2 yrs
20-year net return$92,236$107,452

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

Which is cheaper, State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College?

State University of New York at Plattsburgh, at $17,156 a year after aid versus $22,917 — a gap of $5,761 a year, or $23,044 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College graduates earn more?

Russell Sage College graduates report a median $58,316 ten years after entry, $1,913 more than the $56,403 at State University of New York at Plattsburgh. 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, State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College?

State University of New York at Plattsburgh: its completers carry a median $21,196 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Russell Sage College, a difference of $804. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at State University of New York at Plattsburgh, against 56% at Russell Sage College. 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.

State University of New York at Plattsburgh vs Russell Sage College: frequently asked questions

Is State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College a better value?
State University of New York at Plattsburgh. It clears its $68,624 net cost in about 8.5 years versus 9.2 years at Russell Sage College, on median earnings of $56,403 vs $58,316 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College?
State University of New York at Plattsburgh: $17,156/yr net price after aid versus $22,917/yr at Russell Sage College — a difference of $5,761 a year, or about $23,044 over four years.
Do State University of New York at Plattsburgh or Russell Sage College graduates earn more?
Russell Sage College graduates earn a median $58,316 ten years after entry, versus $56,403 at State University of New York at Plattsburgh — a $1,913 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.