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State University of New York at Cortland vs Manhattanville University: which has better ROI?

Public, Cortland NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Purchase NY

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

The verdict

State University of New York at Cortland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,380 in 7.5 years versus 8 years at Manhattanville University, on median earnings of $60,236 vs $58,832 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureState University of New York at CortlandManhattanville University
Net price / yr$22,345$20,991
Total net cost$89,380$83,964
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,236$58,832
Median debt$21,500$25,000
Payback7.5 yrs8 yrs
20-year net return$148,140$125,476

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

Which is cheaper, State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University?

Manhattanville University, at $20,991 a year after aid versus $22,345 — a gap of $1,354 a year, or $5,416 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University graduates earn more?

State University of New York at Cortland graduates report a median $60,236 ten years after entry, $1,404 more than the $58,832 at Manhattanville 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, State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University?

State University of New York at Cortland: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Manhattanville University, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at State University of New York at Cortland, against 58% at Manhattanville 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.

State University of New York at Cortland vs Manhattanville University: frequently asked questions

Is State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University a better value?
State University of New York at Cortland. It clears its $89,380 net cost in about 7.5 years versus 8 years at Manhattanville University, on median earnings of $60,236 vs $58,832 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University?
Manhattanville University: $20,991/yr net price after aid versus $22,345/yr at State University of New York at Cortland — a difference of $1,354 a year, or about $5,416 over four years.
Do State University of New York at Cortland or Manhattanville University graduates earn more?
State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn a median $60,236 ten years after entry, versus $58,832 at Manhattanville University — a $1,404 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.