St Lawrence University vs Canisius University: which has better ROI?
Canisius University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,760 in 5.8 years versus 6.1 years at St Lawrence University, on median earnings of $60,681 vs $67,258 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | St Lawrence University | Canisius University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,651 | $17,940 |
| Total net cost | $114,604 | $71,760 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,258 | $60,681 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 6.1 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $263,356 | $174,660 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, St Lawrence University or Canisius University?
Canisius University, at $17,940 a year after aid versus $28,651 — a gap of $10,711 a year, or $42,844 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 Lawrence University or Canisius University graduates earn more?
St Lawrence University graduates report a median $67,258 ten years after entry, $6,577 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 Lawrence University or Canisius University?
Canisius University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at St Lawrence University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at St Lawrence University, against 66% at Canisius 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.