New York University vs Adelphi University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, New York University comes out ahead: 84/100 to 75/100, a 9-point edge over Adelphi University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Adelphi University runs $30,783 a year against $37,050 at New York University - $6,267 more a year, or about $25,068 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, New York University graduates earn a median $82,509 against $75,482 at Adelphi University. The cost earns itself back in 6.1 years at New York University and 6.5 years at Adelphi University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave New York University owing a median $20,500 versus $25,000 at Adelphi University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.51 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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 the clearly stronger ROI here (84 vs 75) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Adelphi University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.