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Seton Hill University vs Carlow University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Greensburg PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Pittsburgh PA

The verdict

Seton Hill University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,816 in 26.2 years versus 30.9 years at Carlow University, on median earnings of $51,748 vs $51,051 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSeton Hill UniversityCarlow University
Net price / yr$22,204$20,786
Total net cost$88,816$83,144
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,748$51,051
Median debt$27,000$25,500
Payback26.2 yrs30.9 yrs
20-year net return-$21,056-$29,324

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

Which is cheaper, Seton Hill University or Carlow University?

Carlow University, at $20,786 a year after aid versus $22,204 — a gap of $1,418 a year, or $5,672 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Seton Hill University or Carlow University graduates earn more?

Seton Hill University graduates report a median $51,748 ten years after entry, $697 more than the $51,051 at Carlow 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, Seton Hill University or Carlow University?

Carlow University: its completers carry a median $25,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Seton Hill 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?

67% of students finish at Seton Hill University, against 60% at Carlow 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.

Seton Hill University vs Carlow University: frequently asked questions

Is Seton Hill University or Carlow University a better value?
Seton Hill University. It clears its $88,816 net cost in about 26.2 years versus 30.9 years at Carlow University, on median earnings of $51,748 vs $51,051 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Seton Hill University or Carlow University?
Carlow University: $20,786/yr net price after aid versus $22,204/yr at Seton Hill University — a difference of $1,418 a year, or about $5,672 over four years.
Do Seton Hill University or Carlow University graduates earn more?
Seton Hill University graduates earn a median $51,748 ten years after entry, versus $51,051 at Carlow University — a $697 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.