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Mercy University vs Nazareth University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Dobbs Ferry NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Rochester NY

The verdict

Nazareth University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $117,428 in 14.5 years versus 15.2 years at Mercy University, on median earnings of $56,458 vs $52,055 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMercy UniversityNazareth University
Net price / yr$14,072$29,357
Total net cost$56,288$117,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,055$56,458
Median debt$19,637$26,038
Payback15.2 yrs14.5 yrs
20-year net return$17,612$44,532

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

Which is cheaper, Mercy University or Nazareth University?

Mercy University, at $14,072 a year after aid versus $29,357 — a gap of $15,285 a year, or $61,140 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Mercy University or Nazareth University graduates earn more?

Nazareth University graduates report a median $56,458 ten years after entry, $4,403 more than the $52,055 at Mercy 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, Mercy University or Nazareth University?

Mercy University: its completers carry a median $19,637 in federal loans versus $26,038 at Nazareth University, a difference of $6,401. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at Nazareth University, against 46% at Mercy 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.

Mercy University vs Nazareth University: frequently asked questions

Is Mercy University or Nazareth University a better value?
Nazareth University. It clears its $117,428 net cost in about 14.5 years versus 15.2 years at Mercy University, on median earnings of $56,458 vs $52,055 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Mercy University or Nazareth University?
Mercy University: $14,072/yr net price after aid versus $29,357/yr at Nazareth University — a difference of $15,285 a year, or about $61,140 over four years.
Do Mercy University or Nazareth University graduates earn more?
Nazareth University graduates earn a median $56,458 ten years after entry, versus $52,055 at Mercy University — a $4,403 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.