Mercy University vs SUNY College of Technology at Alfred: which has better ROI?
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $30,032 in 14.4 years versus 15.2 years at Mercy University, on median earnings of $50,445 vs $52,055 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Mercy University | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,072 | $15,016 |
| Total net cost | $56,288 | $30,032 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,055 | $50,445 |
| Median debt | $19,637 | $13,750 |
| Payback | 15.2 yrs | 14.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $17,612 | $11,668 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Mercy University or SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
Mercy University, at $14,072 a year after aid versus $15,016 — a gap of $944 a year, or $26,256 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 SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates earn more?
Mercy University graduates report a median $52,055 ten years after entry, $1,610 more than the $50,445 at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred. 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 SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred: its completers carry a median $13,750 in federal loans versus $19,637 at Mercy University, a difference of $5,887. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, 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.