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

Private nonprofit, Queens NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Poughkeepsie NY

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Marist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $166,176 in 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $69,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSt. John's University-New YorkMarist University
Net price / yr$29,999$41,544
Total net cost$119,996$166,176
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,571$77,819
Median debt$25,000$25,000
Payback5.7 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$304,224$423,004

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 Marist University?

St. John's University-New York, at $29,999 a year after aid versus $41,544 — a gap of $11,545 a year, or $46,180 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 Marist University graduates earn more?

Marist University graduates report a median $77,819 ten years after entry, $8,248 more than the $69,571 at St. John's University-New York. 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 Marist University?

Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, 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?

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

Is St. John's University-New York or Marist University a better value?
Marist University. It clears its $166,176 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $77,819 vs $69,571 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, St. John's University-New York or Marist University?
St. John's University-New York: $29,999/yr net price after aid versus $41,544/yr at Marist University — a difference of $11,545 a year, or about $46,180 over four years.
Do St. John's University-New York or Marist University graduates earn more?
Marist University graduates earn a median $77,819 ten years after entry, versus $69,571 at St. John's University-New York — a $8,248 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.