Saint Francis University vs Cedar Crest College: which has better ROI?
Cedar Crest College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,636 in 6.7 years versus 6.8 years at Saint Francis University, on median earnings of $59,460 vs $62,101 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Saint Francis University | Cedar Crest College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,526 | $18,659 |
| Total net cost | $94,104 | $74,636 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,101 | $59,460 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 6.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $180,716 | $147,364 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Saint Francis University or Cedar Crest College?
Cedar Crest College, at $18,659 a year after aid versus $23,526 — a gap of $4,867 a year, or $19,468 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Saint Francis University or Cedar Crest College graduates earn more?
Saint Francis University graduates report a median $62,101 ten years after entry, $2,641 more than the $59,460 at Cedar Crest College. 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, Saint Francis University or Cedar Crest College?
Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
74% of students finish at Saint Francis University, against 60% at Cedar Crest College. 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.