Study Reveals Average Earnings of Former Students of Local Colleges

Making the right college choice, based on fit, especially financial fit, can mean the difference between being in significant debt for a very long time or being able to pay off your loans within a reasonable amount of time. Local/In State vs. “Name brand” can make a difference, if all of the other fit factors are in line as well.

Study reveals average earnings of former students of local colleges

by Angela Christoforos, News 4 Reporter, WIBV.com

Read the article online, click here.

“I’m taking out loans but overall I’m able to afford University at Buffalo because of its low tuition costs,” said Rebecca Hoelzl, a UB sophomore.

“I’m actually a transfer here so the lower price brought me here my second year, my sophomore year,” said Daniel D’Amato, a UB junior.

Some students say lower tuition at local schools like UB compared to brand name schools is part of what led to their decision to stay local for higher education. UB is one of 12 western New York colleges included in a study that shows the average earnings of former students 10 years after their freshman year.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, UB had the highest average of the 12 at over $57,000 a year but is below several other schools in other parts of upstate New York.

“It’s probably going to be in the area around $75,000 in debt when I’m out, making around $60,000 the average student it’s going to take a little bit to pay off,” said Kyle Boyd, UB freshman.

Financial Guys LLC. President Mike Lomas says many students don’t do their financial research before enrolling in college, and sometimes going to a local school can save students big money and still offer their degree of choice.

“Kids should be applying for schools out of state but more importantly do the homework to try to figure out does that institution have the major that’s going to take me to the next level,” said Lomas.

With the rising cost of college education, Lomas says students need to do the math and find out the average earning power of their degree before hitting the bill.

“If you’re going to spend $200,000 over the next four years to send little Billy to college what if we just took that $200,000, little Billy sat at home for the next 20 years what would it be worth, he’d be a multi millionaire,” said Lomas.

Lomas said a student should weigh how much they could potentially earn with how much they would owe in student loans when deciding where to go to college.

Studies have shown the average earning potential over a lifetime is higher for those who have a bachelor’s degree.

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