Business/Commerce at Skidmore College

Skidmore's business program occupies an interesting middle ground in New York's competitive landscape. Graduates earn $54,378 in their first year—solidly above the national median but landing right at the 60th percentile among New York programs. That positioning matters: you're paying selective liberal arts college prices (just 23% admission rate) for outcomes that trail NYU by over $20,000 annually and barely edge out SUNY Empire State. The debt picture offers some relief at $20,814, which is notably lower than both state and national medians, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.38.

The 20% earnings growth to $65,277 by year four suggests graduates build skills and connections that pay off over time. For families drawn to Skidmore's personalized liberal arts environment, this program won't derail finances—the debt burden is reasonable and early earnings support repayment. However, if you're focused purely on business career outcomes and facing full sticker price, stronger options exist within New York. The program works best for students who value Skidmore's overall college experience and recognize they're not choosing the highest-earning business track in the state. Parents should weigh whether the campus culture and educational approach justify outcomes that are good but not exceptional compared to other selective New York business programs.