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Alfred University vs LIM College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Alfred NY · vs · Private for-profit, New York NY

The verdict

LIM College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,668 in 14.6 years versus 15.7 years at Alfred University, on median earnings of $58,956 vs $54,897 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlfred UniversityLIM College
Net price / yr$25,620$38,667
Total net cost$102,480$154,668
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,897$58,956
Median debt$26,000$24,000
Payback15.7 yrs14.6 yrs
20-year net return$28,260$57,252

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

Which is cheaper, Alfred University or LIM College?

Alfred University, at $25,620 a year after aid versus $38,667 — a gap of $13,047 a year, or $52,188 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Alfred University or LIM College graduates earn more?

LIM College graduates report a median $58,956 ten years after entry, $4,059 more than the $54,897 at Alfred 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, Alfred University or LIM College?

LIM College: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Alfred University, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Alfred University, against 51% at LIM College. 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.

Alfred University vs LIM College: frequently asked questions

Is Alfred University or LIM College a better value?
LIM College. It clears its $154,668 net cost in about 14.6 years versus 15.7 years at Alfred University, on median earnings of $58,956 vs $54,897 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Alfred University or LIM College?
Alfred University: $25,620/yr net price after aid versus $38,667/yr at LIM College — a difference of $13,047 a year, or about $52,188 over four years.
Do Alfred University or LIM College graduates earn more?
LIM College graduates earn a median $58,956 ten years after entry, versus $54,897 at Alfred University — a $4,059 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.