New York University vs Adelphi University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
New York University holds a 9-point ROI advantage over Adelphi University, scoring 84/100 versus 75/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Adelphi University comes in at $30,783 per year (net price after aid) versus $37,050 at New York University - a difference of $6,267 annually, or roughly $25,068 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, New York University graduates earn a median of $82,509 compared to $75,482 at Adelphi University. The payback period is 6.1 years at New York University versus 6.5 years at Adelphi University.
Graduates leave New York University with a median $20,500 in debt versus $25,000 at Adelphi University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.51 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | New York University | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $62,796 | $49,110 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $62,796 | $49,110 |
| Net Price (avg) | $37,050 | $30,783 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $148,200 | $123,132 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $55,900 | $49,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $82,509 | $75,482 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.6% | 67.2% |
| Payback Period | 6.1 yr | 6.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.51 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.9% | 77.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.0% | 74.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.2% | 65.9% |
| Enrollment | 28,663 | 5,276 |
| SAT Range | 1480-1560 | 1120-1340 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | New York University | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,977 | $24,095 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,017 | $24,700 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,862 | $28,681 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,766 | $32,337 |
| $110,001+ | $66,876 | $35,672 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | New York University | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $142,495 | $77,155 |
| Registered Nursing | $118,433 | $112,945 |
| Social Sciences, General | $91,917 | $41,924 |
| Mathematics | $91,832 | $86,028 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $75,970 | $64,190 |
| Biology | $58,513 | $75,921 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $44,500 | $70,416 |
| Social Work | $59,593 | $66,162 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $49,478 | $50,759 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $42,348 | $37,630 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | New York University | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 71 | 72 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 86 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 72 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 73 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 79 | 63 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 75 |
The Verdict
New York University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (84 vs 75). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Adelphi University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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New York University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Adelphi University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.