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Pace University vs Marist University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Marist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $166,176 in 5.6 years versus 5.6 years at Pace University, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $70,378 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePace UniversityMarist University
Net price / yr$30,892$41,544
Total net cost$123,568$166,176
Median earnings, 10 yrs$70,378$77,819
Median debt$23,250$25,000
Payback5.6 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$316,792$423,004

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

Which is cheaper, Pace University or Marist University?

Pace University, at $30,892 a year after aid versus $41,544 — a gap of $10,652 a year, or $42,608 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 Marist University graduates earn more?

Marist University graduates report a median $77,819 ten years after entry, $7,441 more than the $70,378 at Pace 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 Marist University?

Pace University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Marist University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Marist 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 Marist University: frequently asked questions

Is Pace University or Marist University a better value?
Marist University. It clears its $166,176 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.6 years at Pace University, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $70,378 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pace University or Marist University?
Pace University: $30,892/yr net price after aid versus $41,544/yr at Marist University — a difference of $10,652 a year, or about $42,608 over four years.
Do Pace University or Marist University graduates earn more?
Marist University graduates earn a median $77,819 ten years after entry, versus $70,378 at Pace University — a $7,441 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.