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Syracuse University vs Siena University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Syracuse NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Loudonville NY

The verdict

Siena University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $134,932 in 4.9 years versus 5 years at Syracuse University, on median earnings of $76,079 vs $79,164 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSyracuse UniversitySiena University
Net price / yr$38,793$33,733
Total net cost$155,172$134,932
Median earnings, 10 yrs$79,164$76,079
Median debt$26,000$26,561
Payback5 yrs4.9 yrs
20-year net return$460,908$419,448

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

Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Siena University?

Siena University, at $33,733 a year after aid versus $38,793 — a gap of $5,060 a year, or $20,240 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Syracuse University or Siena University graduates earn more?

Syracuse University graduates report a median $79,164 ten years after entry, $3,085 more than the $76,079 at Siena 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, Syracuse University or Siena University?

Syracuse University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,561 at Siena University, a difference of $561. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

84% of students finish at Syracuse University, against 75% at Siena 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.

Syracuse University vs Siena University: frequently asked questions

Is Syracuse University or Siena University a better value?
Siena University. It clears its $134,932 net cost in about 4.9 years versus 5 years at Syracuse University, on median earnings of $76,079 vs $79,164 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Siena University?
Siena University: $33,733/yr net price after aid versus $38,793/yr at Syracuse University — a difference of $5,060 a year, or about $20,240 over four years.
Do Syracuse University or Siena University graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn a median $79,164 ten years after entry, versus $76,079 at Siena University — a $3,085 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.