University of California-Riverside vs University at Buffalo

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of California-Riverside and University at Buffalo come out about even on financial return. University of California-Riverside scores 83/100 and University at Buffalo scores 83/100 - 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, University of California-Riverside runs $14,304 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo - $6,691 more a year, or about $26,764 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University at Buffalo graduates earn a median $70,814 against $67,699 at University of California-Riverside. The cost earns itself back in 6 years at University of California-Riverside and 6.3 years at University at Buffalo.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Riverside owing a median $17,500 versus $19,000 at University at Buffalo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.41 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.