University at Albany
University at Albany is a public university in Albany, NY ranked #830 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 12,564 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.1%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.4% first-year retention, and 61.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,167, about $169 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -25.2%, roughly 110.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,380. That's about $7,692 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
University at Albany has an acceptance rate of 69.1%, annual tuition of $10,866, average net price of $17,167, and a national rank of #830 (Grade B), with a 61.5% six-year graduation rate, about 12,564 undergraduates, and median earnings of $51,380 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is University at Albany Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University at Albany graduates 61.5% of students within six years and keeps 83.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University at Albany's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,866 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,423 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,248 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,802 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.7% of University at Albany students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,112 to $24,085 depending on family income. Use University at Albany's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,037/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,085/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,380
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,380
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,059
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.2%
- Employment Rate 48.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University at Albany graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University at Albany vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University at Albany's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University at Albany's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University at Albany graduates earn $51,380 median, the -25.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 12,564
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.4%
- Graduation Rate 61.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into University at Albany
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University at Albany requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 69.1%, University at Albany is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 69.1% acceptance rate, University at Albany is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University at Albany undergraduates. Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Economics draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.2%
- Economics 7.8%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.6%
- Biology, General 6.4%
- Homeland Security 5.8%
See more majors
- Human Biology 5.7%
- Sociology 5.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $93,077
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $81,880
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $81,665
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mathematics and Statistics, Other $75,526
- 5. Information Science/Studies $70,275
- 6. Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other $68,524
- 7. Chemistry $67,794
- 8. Public Health $66,859
- 9. Economics $66,432
- 10. Applied Mathematics $65,604
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Taxation (Master's Degree) $123,372
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $115,694
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $99,585
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Public Health (Master's Degree) $90,300
- 5. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $88,198
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $68,522
- 7. Criminology (Master's Degree) $66,732
- 8. Social Work (Master's Degree) $65,149
- 9. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $64,094
- 10. Public Administration (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $61,208
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $93,077—42% more than Applied Mathematics ($65,604). Graduate: Taxation programs lead with $123,372 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University at Albany. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 318 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 304 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 288 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 244 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 237 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (53 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Homeland Security
- Sociology
- Human Biology
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- History
- Education, Other
- Public Policy Analysis
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Journalism
- Public Health
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Social Work
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Applied Statistics
- Anthropology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Music
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physics
- Engineering, Other
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Administration
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online Master's Degrees (61 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Applied Mathematics
- Taxation
- Information Science/Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Chemistry
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Political Science and Government
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Biology, General
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Security Science and Technology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering, Other
- Philosophy
- Education, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Area Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Statistics
- Social Sciences, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Policy Analysis
- Materials Sciences
- Library Science and Administration
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online Doctoral Degrees (35 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Engineering, Other
- Economics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Social Work
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- Information Science/Studies
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Political Science and Government
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Statistics
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Materials Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (27 programs)â–¼
- Homeland Security
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International and Comparative Education
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Economics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Administration
- Library Science and Administration
- Geography and Cartography
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Literature
- History
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Demography and Population Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Area Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Applied Mathematics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Geography and Cartography
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Public Health
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 12,564
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.9%
- Female Students 54.1%
- Caucasian 36.5%
- Asian 10.2%
- Hispanic 19.6%
- Black 24.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University at Albany's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University at Albany's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University at Albany support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University at Albany, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University at Albany has a diverse student body, with 36.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University at Albany support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University at Albany, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University at Albany serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #830 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $17,167 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $51,380 median earnings. The 61.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 83.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University at Albany's Strengths
Ranked #830 with a B grade, University at Albany prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University at Albany excel at providing affordable education ($17,167 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University at Albany's 83.4% retention and 61.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($51,380 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University at Albany and $17,167 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 61.5% six-year graduation rate sits 1.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.4% first-year retention is 6.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -25.2% return on investment is 110.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,380 run about 18% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,167 is roughly $230 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 48.3% employment rate within three years sits 19.9 points below national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University at Albany—a public university in Albany, NY—at B overall. It stands at #830 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
83.4% of learners come back after year one while 61.5% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -25.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,167 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,802.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,635 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,059 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $51,380 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 18% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 48.3% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -25.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
69.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University at Albany admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University at Albany's acceptance rate?
University at Albany's acceptance rate is 69.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University at Albany cost?
At University at Albany, listed tuition and fees are $10,866 per year, and the average net price after aid is $17,167. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University at Albany's ranking?
University at Albany ranks #830 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University at Albany's graduation rate?
At University at Albany, the six-year graduation rate is 61.5%, and first-year retention is 83.4%.
What are University at Albany's job outcomes?
Graduates of University at Albany report median earnings of $51,380 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University at Albany's student population?
University at Albany enrolls about 12,564 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Albany, NY 12222
- Website www.albany.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$115.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate27.1%