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Affordability at Russell Sage College
Public universities will tell tales about avoiding “crushing college debt,” but the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard says otherwise. The College Scorecard reports the typical debt after graduation for a nearby SUNY is $19,500 vs. $22,000 at Russell Sage.
What’s the difference for that extra $2,500?
An experience that’s built for you, not for the masses.
You Have to Apply to Know What’s Real
People often assume “private college” means “too expensive.” But the numbers — and the outcomes — tell a different story.
At Russell Sage, the typical graduate’s total debt is only about $2,500 more than a nearby SUNY. That’s less than the cost of a reliable used car’s first year of payments — for a lifetime of personal and professional benefits.
A car loses value the moment you drive it off the lot. A Russell Sage degree gains value every year.
Get Your Bottom Line Number
We’ve awarded financial aid packages to students with the highest level of need that made Russell Sage as affordable as community college — yet some still assumed public meant cheaper.
We Invest in Our Students
With first-year merit scholarships of $21,000 to $26,000 and one of the lowest private college tuition rates in New York State, Russell Sage ranks #36 nationally for Best Value (U.S. News & World Report 2026).
Only Cornell, University of Rochester, and Binghamton ranked higher.
100%
At Russell Sage, 100% of incoming full-time undergraduate students receive institutional, federal, or state financial aid.
It’s More Than Tuition
When comparing colleges, look at the whole picture — not just the sticker price.
Is the math mathing yet? Your time, your comfort, and your access to support are part of the value equation.
Is a Private College a Safe Bet?
College closures have made students and their families nervous about the stability of higher education. When you’re assessing the financial health of a college, there are signs to look for. We offer tips for how to know if a college is at risk of closing.
What Else Adds Up to Value?
A community college might sound like a great starting place if you’re an art student or aspiring teacher, but without careful planning, we’ve found transfer students sometimes don’t have the courses they need to finish a BFA program or meet state teaching degree requirements, and end up spending more time in school to earn their bachelor’s.
Community college can be a great option, but if you’re thinking of a certain four-year school as your transfer destination, be sure to connect early so you can get additional advising throughout your community college years.
Are you willing to invest more if it gets you what you need?
That’s a few thousand dollars more — for smaller classes, personalized support, deeper alumni networks, and stronger outcomes.
| Institution | Avg. annual cost | Median debt after graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Sage | $23,027 | $22,000 |
| SUNY A | $18,486 | $19,500 |
| SUNY B | $18,481 | $18,750 |
| SUNY C | $18,883 | $19,812 |
| AVERAGE of 3 SUNYs | $18,617 | $19,354 |
| Extra investment for more value RSC vs. SUNY | $4,410 | $2,646 |
Source: College Scorecard
A small difference up front. A lifetime of return.
The Strength in Connections
Private colleges like Russell Sage produce many of the region’s most in-demand healthcare and education professionals. Our alumni networks and employer partnerships run deep:
Your Return on Investment
Loans aren’t a burden — they’re an investment. You’d take out a car loan without blinking. A car depreciates. A degree appreciates.
Top 25
And for seven consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Russell Sage among the top 25 national universities for social mobility — proof that our students see real returns.
$132,700
Households headed by someone with a bachelor’s degree earned a median of $132,700 — more than double those with only a high school diploma.
$71,415
The average salary for our graduates? $71,415, based on data from 91% of the class — not a small sample. (Tip: Always be sure to ask about knowledge rates when you see career outcome stats.)
You don’t have to attend an event to find out more. We’re happy to talk with you on your schedule.
Got questions or need a hand? We are happy to help you get started!
Undergraduate Admission