Temple University vs CUNY New York City College of Technology

Good news if you're stuck between them: Temple University and CUNY New York City College of Technology come out about even on financial return. Temple University scores 64/100 and CUNY New York City College of Technology scores 64/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, CUNY New York City College of Technology runs $5,127 a year against $28,198 at Temple University - $23,071 more a year, or about $92,284 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Temple University graduates earn a median $63,727 against $49,365 at CUNY New York City College of Technology. The cost earns itself back in 8.8 years at Temple University and 11.2 years at CUNY New York City College of Technology.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave CUNY New York City College of Technology owing a median $10,533 versus $24,395 at Temple University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.58 and 0.32 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.