Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Skidmore College

A $24,865 debt load against estimated first-year earnings of $35,817 creates a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio—but these figures, drawn from similar liberal arts programs across New York, can't tell you whether Skidmore's selective environment and Saratoga Springs network translate to better outcomes. The college's 23% admission rate and 1388 average SAT score suggest a competitive peer group that often matters as much as coursework in liberal arts fields, yet without program-specific data, you're betting on institutional reputation rather than documented results.

The estimates align closely with state and national medians, which isn't surprising for a general liberal arts degree—a credential designed more for intellectual development than occupational training. What's harder to gauge is whether Skidmore justifies its private school price tag when top-performing liberal arts programs in New York report first-year earnings exceeding $45,000, with Cornell and Union College graduates earning nearly 30% more. The low Pell grant enrollment (14%) indicates this is primarily a full-pay student body, so families should realistically assess whether they're financing this degree with modest loans or paying significantly more out-of-pocket.

Without actual outcomes data for Skidmore's program, you're essentially making an informed guess about value. If your family can afford this investment comfortably and values the liberal arts experience at a selective college, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable—but acknowledge you're buying access and environment rather than proven career returns.