New York University vs Stony Brook University: which has better ROI?
Stony Brook University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,136 in 2.9 years versus 4.3 years at New York University, on median earnings of $74,502 vs $82,509 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | New York University | Stony Brook University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,050 | $18,784 |
| Total net cost | $148,200 | $75,136 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $82,509 | $74,502 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,228 |
| Payback | 4.3 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $534,780 | $447,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, New York University or Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University, at $18,784 a year after aid versus $37,050 — a gap of $18,266 a year, or $73,064 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do New York University or Stony Brook University graduates earn more?
New York University graduates report a median $82,509 ten years after entry, $8,007 more than the $74,502 at Stony Brook 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, New York University or Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University: its completers carry a median $18,228 in federal loans versus $20,500 at New York University, a difference of $2,272. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
88% of students finish at New York University, against 76% at Stony Brook 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.