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Pace University vs Canisius University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New York NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Buffalo NY

The verdict

Pace University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,568 in 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $70,378 vs $60,681 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePace UniversityCanisius University
Net price / yr$30,892$17,940
Total net cost$123,568$71,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$70,378$60,681
Median debt$23,250$24,250
Payback5.6 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$316,792$174,660

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

Which is cheaper, Pace University or Canisius University?

Canisius University, at $17,940 a year after aid versus $30,892 — a gap of $12,952 a year, or $51,808 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Pace University or Canisius University graduates earn more?

Pace University graduates report a median $70,378 ten years after entry, $9,697 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, Pace University or Canisius University?

Pace University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Canisius University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Canisius University, against 60% at Pace 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.

Pace University vs Canisius University: frequently asked questions

Is Pace University or Canisius University a better value?
Pace University. It clears its $123,568 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $70,378 vs $60,681 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pace University or Canisius University?
Canisius University: $17,940/yr net price after aid versus $30,892/yr at Pace University — a difference of $12,952 a year, or about $51,808 over four years.
Do Pace University or Canisius University graduates earn more?
Pace University graduates earn a median $70,378 ten years after entry, versus $60,681 at Canisius University — a $9,697 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.