New York University vs University at Buffalo: which has better ROI?
University at Buffalo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,980 in 3.7 years versus 4.3 years at New York University, on median earnings of $70,814 vs $82,509 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | New York University | University at Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,050 | $20,995 |
| Total net cost | $148,200 | $83,980 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $82,509 | $70,814 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $19,000 |
| Payback | 4.3 yrs | 3.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $534,780 | $365,100 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, New York University or University at Buffalo?
University at Buffalo, at $20,995 a year after aid versus $37,050 — a gap of $16,055 a year, or $64,220 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 University at Buffalo graduates earn more?
New York University graduates report a median $82,509 ten years after entry, $11,695 more than the $70,814 at University at Buffalo. 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 University at Buffalo?
University at Buffalo: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at New York University, a difference of $1,500. 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 75% at University at Buffalo. 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.