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

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

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

The verdict

Pace University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,568 in 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $70,378 vs $69,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSt. John's University-New YorkPace University
Net price / yr$29,999$30,892
Total net cost$119,996$123,568
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,571$70,378
Median debt$25,000$23,250
Payback5.7 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$304,224$316,792

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 Pace University?

St. John's University-New York, at $29,999 a year after aid versus $30,892 — a gap of $893 a year, or $3,572 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 Pace University graduates earn more?

Pace University graduates report a median $70,378 ten years after entry, $807 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 Pace University?

Pace University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at St. John's University-New York, 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?

66% of students finish at St. John's University-New York, 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.

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

Is St. John's University-New York or Pace University a better value?
Pace University. It clears its $123,568 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $70,378 vs $69,571 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, St. John's University-New York or Pace University?
St. John's University-New York: $29,999/yr net price after aid versus $30,892/yr at Pace University — a difference of $893 a year, or about $3,572 over four years.
Do St. John's University-New York or Pace University graduates earn more?
Pace University graduates earn a median $70,378 ten years after entry, versus $69,571 at St. John's University-New York — a $807 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.