Business, Management, Marketing, at Skidmore College

A selective liberal arts college charging premium tuition while delivering business program outcomes that lag the national median by nearly $10,000—that's the picture emerging from comparable New York programs. Based on similar business degrees in the state, first-year earnings around $41,000 fall well short of the $50,700 typical nationally, while the estimated $26,500 debt burden tracks close to what business majors carry elsewhere.

The 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, but context matters: Skidmore's 23% admission rate and high SAT scores suggest families are paying for prestige and a well-rounded education, not optimized career preparation in business. Meanwhile, SUNY Maritime's business graduates—from a far less selective school—appear to out-earn this estimate by over $3,000 right out of the gate. That gap likely reflects the difference between a specialized business education and one nested within a broader liberal arts framework.

If your child is drawn to Skidmore for its campus culture, academic breadth, or specific faculty, this business program won't derail their finances. But if the goal is maximizing return on a business degree specifically, the estimated outcomes suggest you're paying a premium for something other than first-job earnings. Compare net price carefully against SUNY options or other New York business programs where actual data shows stronger placement numbers.