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Marist University vs Canisius University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Poughkeepsie NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Buffalo NY

The verdict

Marist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $166,176 in 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $60,681 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMarist UniversityCanisius University
Net price / yr$41,544$17,940
Total net cost$166,176$71,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$77,819$60,681
Median debt$25,000$24,250
Payback5.6 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$423,004$174,660

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

Which is cheaper, Marist University or Canisius University?

Canisius University, at $17,940 a year after aid versus $41,544 — a gap of $23,604 a year, or $94,416 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Marist University or Canisius University graduates earn more?

Marist University graduates report a median $77,819 ten years after entry, $17,138 more than the $60,681 at Canisius 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, Marist University or Canisius University?

Canisius University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Marist University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Marist University, against 66% at Canisius 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.

Marist University vs Canisius University: frequently asked questions

Is Marist University or Canisius University a better value?
Marist University. It clears its $166,176 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $60,681 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Marist University or Canisius University?
Canisius University: $17,940/yr net price after aid versus $41,544/yr at Marist University — a difference of $23,604 a year, or about $94,416 over four years.
Do Marist University or Canisius University graduates earn more?
Marist University graduates earn a median $77,819 ten years after entry, versus $60,681 at Canisius University — a $17,138 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.