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Hofstra University vs SUNY Oneonta: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Hempstead NY · vs · Public, Oneonta NY

The verdict

SUNY Oneonta has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,632 in 6.4 years versus 6.6 years at Hofstra University, on median earnings of $60,386 vs $69,039 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHofstra UniversitySUNY Oneonta
Net price / yr$34,176$19,158
Total net cost$136,704$76,632
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,039$60,386
Median debt$23,621$19,812
Payback6.6 yrs6.4 yrs
20-year net return$276,876$163,888

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

Which is cheaper, Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta?

SUNY Oneonta, at $19,158 a year after aid versus $34,176 — a gap of $15,018 a year, or $60,072 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta graduates earn more?

Hofstra University graduates report a median $69,039 ten years after entry, $8,653 more than the $60,386 at SUNY Oneonta. 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, Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta?

SUNY Oneonta: its completers carry a median $19,812 in federal loans versus $23,621 at Hofstra University, a difference of $3,809. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at SUNY Oneonta, against 69% at Hofstra 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.

Hofstra University vs SUNY Oneonta: frequently asked questions

Is Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta a better value?
SUNY Oneonta. It clears its $76,632 net cost in about 6.4 years versus 6.6 years at Hofstra University, on median earnings of $60,386 vs $69,039 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta?
SUNY Oneonta: $19,158/yr net price after aid versus $34,176/yr at Hofstra University — a difference of $15,018 a year, or about $60,072 over four years.
Do Hofstra University or SUNY Oneonta graduates earn more?
Hofstra University graduates earn a median $69,039 ten years after entry, versus $60,386 at SUNY Oneonta — a $8,653 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.