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St. John's University-New York vs Canisius University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Queens NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Buffalo NY

The verdict

St. John's University-New York has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $119,996 in 5.7 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $69,571 vs $60,681 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSt. John's University-New YorkCanisius University
Net price / yr$29,999$17,940
Total net cost$119,996$71,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,571$60,681
Median debt$25,000$24,250
Payback5.7 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$304,224$174,660

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

Which is cheaper, St. John's University-New York or Canisius University?

Canisius University, at $17,940 a year after aid versus $29,999 — a gap of $12,059 a year, or $48,236 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do St. John's University-New York or Canisius University graduates earn more?

St. John's University-New York graduates report a median $69,571 ten years after entry, $8,890 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, St. John's University-New York or Canisius University?

Canisius University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at St. John's University-New York, a difference of $750. 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 66% at St. John's University-New York. 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.

St. John's University-New York vs Canisius University: frequently asked questions

Is St. John's University-New York or Canisius University a better value?
St. John's University-New York. It clears its $119,996 net cost in about 5.7 years versus 5.8 years at Canisius University, on median earnings of $69,571 vs $60,681 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, St. John's University-New York or Canisius University?
Canisius University: $17,940/yr net price after aid versus $29,999/yr at St. John's University-New York — a difference of $12,059 a year, or about $48,236 over four years.
Do St. John's University-New York or Canisius University graduates earn more?
St. John's University-New York graduates earn a median $69,571 ten years after entry, versus $60,681 at Canisius University — a $8,890 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.