
Loudonville, NYprivate nonprofitsiena.edu
Admit rate has ranged 71%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Siena University, a Franciscan Catholic institution in Loudonville, NY, offers a surprisingly robust return on investment for a school with a 77% acceptance rate. Known for its tight-knit community and strong business programs, it delivers median alumni earnings ($70,594) that outpace many more selective colleges, though its aging dorms draw student complaints.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Siena's 77.6% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (per the most recent CDS data) makes it accessible to most applicants, with admitted students typically presenting SAT scores between 1110–1340 or ACT scores of 23–30. The school is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. for most applicants, focusing instead on high school GPA and holistic factors. Contact admissions at 518-783-2423 or admissions@siena.edu.
With 43 majors and 80+ minors/concentrations, Siena leans heavily into practical fields: marketing, accounting, and finance dominate its most popular programs (88 degrees awarded annually in marketing alone). The biology program is also noteworthy, attracting pre-health students. While Niche reviews critique outdated facilities, students praise the collaborative atmosphere where 'no matter what your interest, someone there shares it.'
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
A residential campus where 71% of students live on-site, Siena fosters what it calls an 'active, engaged' community through 100+ clubs and Division I athletics (MAAC Conference). The Office of Student Life emphasizes personal growth, though housing gets mixed reviews for being 'cramped' and outdated. Traditions like the annual Fountain Day (a campus-wide celebration when the central fountain is turned on) build school spirit.
Siena punches above its weight in graduate earnings: its $70,594 median salary (per College Scorecard) exceeds the national average for 4-year colleges ($60K). A 77% graduation rate—top 20% nationally—reflects strong student support. Most alumni stay in the Northeast, with many entering finance, healthcare, or public service.
At $36,840 Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. (after aid), Siena costs slightly more than the national private college average. However, 98% of students receive some aid, with need-based grants averaging $31,530. The school meets 72% of demonstrated need, though loans remain common (76% of students borrow).
Siena delivers exceptional value for a moderately selective school—its alumni earnings rival those of elite liberal arts colleges, thanks to career-focused academics and proximity to Albany's job market. The Franciscan emphasis on service ('be a force for good') permeates campus culture, while D1 basketball (the Saints are MAAC contenders) fuels school pride. Just don't expect luxury dorms.