Education at Skidmore College

A highly selective liberal arts college with average SAT scores above 1380 typically carries premium pricing, and the estimated $23,250 in debt here reflects that reality. For an education degree, where similar programs across New York produce first-year earnings around $37,000-$39,000, this debt load creates a manageable but not comfortable start. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio lands in reasonable territory—better than many bachelor's programs nationally—but teaching salaries don't rise dramatically in early years, meaning graduates will carry this burden through their establishing career phase.

The elephant in the room is opportunity cost. Skidmore's 23% admission rate attracts students who likely had options at larger public universities, where education programs produce comparable outcomes at substantially lower cost. SUNY Brockport's graduates, for instance, earn similar first-year salaries based on reported data, typically with lower debt loads at a public institution. Unless family resources make the debt figure irrelevant, or your child values Skidmore's intimate liberal arts environment enough to accept years of loan payments on a teacher's salary, the estimated numbers suggest this particular path prioritizes experience over financial efficiency. State schools with education programs offer a more straightforward value equation for a profession where your employer cares more about your certification than your diploma's letterhead.