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Syracuse University vs University of Mount Saint Vincent: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Syracuse NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Bronx NY

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

The verdict

Syracuse University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $155,172 in 5 years versus 5 years at University of Mount Saint Vincent, on median earnings of $79,164 vs $65,756 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSyracuse UniversityUniversity of Mount Saint Vincent
Net price / yr$38,793$21,696
Total net cost$155,172$86,784
Median earnings, 10 yrs$79,164$65,756
Median debt$26,000$25,000
Payback5 yrs5 yrs
20-year net return$460,908$261,136

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

Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or University of Mount Saint Vincent?

University of Mount Saint Vincent, at $21,696 a year after aid versus $38,793 — a gap of $17,097 a year, or $68,388 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 University of Mount Saint Vincent graduates earn more?

Syracuse University graduates report a median $79,164 ten years after entry, $13,408 more than the $65,756 at University of Mount Saint Vincent. 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 University of Mount Saint Vincent?

University of Mount Saint Vincent: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Syracuse University, a difference of $1,000. 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 57% at University of Mount Saint Vincent. 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 University of Mount Saint Vincent: frequently asked questions

Is Syracuse University or University of Mount Saint Vincent a better value?
Syracuse University. It clears its $155,172 net cost in about 5 years versus 5 years at University of Mount Saint Vincent, on median earnings of $79,164 vs $65,756 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or University of Mount Saint Vincent?
University of Mount Saint Vincent: $21,696/yr net price after aid versus $38,793/yr at Syracuse University — a difference of $17,097 a year, or about $68,388 over four years.
Do Syracuse University or University of Mount Saint Vincent graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn a median $79,164 ten years after entry, versus $65,756 at University of Mount Saint Vincent — a $13,408 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.