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Adelphi University vs D'Youville University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Garden City NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Buffalo NY

The verdict

D'Youville University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,732 in 4.4 years versus 4.5 years at Adelphi University, on median earnings of $66,942 vs $75,482 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAdelphi UniversityD'Youville University
Net price / yr$30,783$20,433
Total net cost$123,132$81,732
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,482$66,942
Median debt$25,000$25,000
Payback4.5 yrs4.4 yrs
20-year net return$419,308$289,908

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Adelphi University or D'Youville University?

D'Youville University, at $20,433 a year after aid versus $30,783 — a gap of $10,350 a year, or $41,400 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Adelphi University or D'Youville University graduates earn more?

Adelphi University graduates report a median $75,482 ten years after entry, $8,540 more than the $66,942 at D'Youville University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Adelphi University or D'Youville University?

Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at D'Youville University, against 67% at Adelphi University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Adelphi University vs D'Youville University: frequently asked questions

Is Adelphi University or D'Youville University a better value?
D'Youville University. It clears its $81,732 net cost in about 4.4 years versus 4.5 years at Adelphi University, on median earnings of $66,942 vs $75,482 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Adelphi University or D'Youville University?
D'Youville University: $20,433/yr net price after aid versus $30,783/yr at Adelphi University — a difference of $10,350 a year, or about $41,400 over four years.
Do Adelphi University or D'Youville University graduates earn more?
Adelphi University graduates earn a median $75,482 ten years after entry, versus $66,942 at D'Youville University — a $8,540 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.