State University of New York at Oswego vs Vassar College: which has better ROI?
Vassar College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $157,372 in 6.8 years versus 7.1 years at State University of New York at Oswego, on median earnings of $71,366 vs $57,566 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | State University of New York at Oswego | Vassar College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,236 | $39,343 |
| Total net cost | $64,944 | $157,372 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,566 | $71,366 |
| Median debt | $20,880 | $18,625 |
| Payback | 7.1 yrs | 6.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $119,176 | $302,748 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, State University of New York at Oswego or Vassar College?
State University of New York at Oswego, at $16,236 a year after aid versus $39,343 — a gap of $23,107 a year, or $92,428 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 Oswego or Vassar College graduates earn more?
Vassar College graduates report a median $71,366 ten years after entry, $13,800 more than the $57,566 at State University of New York at Oswego. 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 Oswego or Vassar College?
Vassar College: its completers carry a median $18,625 in federal loans versus $20,880 at State University of New York at Oswego, a difference of $2,255. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Vassar College, against 60% at State University of New York at Oswego. 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.