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Syracuse University vs Utica University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Syracuse NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Utica NY

The verdict

Syracuse University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $155,172 in 5 years versus 5.1 years at Utica University, on median earnings of $79,164 vs $63,277 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSyracuse UniversityUtica University
Net price / yr$38,793$19,108
Total net cost$155,172$76,432
Median earnings, 10 yrs$79,164$63,277
Median debt$26,000$22,500
Payback5 yrs5.1 yrs
20-year net return$460,908$221,908

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

Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Utica University?

Utica University, at $19,108 a year after aid versus $38,793 — a gap of $19,685 a year, or $78,740 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 Utica University graduates earn more?

Syracuse University graduates report a median $79,164 ten years after entry, $15,887 more than the $63,277 at Utica 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 Utica University?

Utica University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Syracuse 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?

84% of students finish at Syracuse University, against 56% at Utica 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 Utica University: frequently asked questions

Is Syracuse University or Utica University a better value?
Syracuse University. It clears its $155,172 net cost in about 5 years versus 5.1 years at Utica University, on median earnings of $79,164 vs $63,277 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Utica University?
Utica University: $19,108/yr net price after aid versus $38,793/yr at Syracuse University — a difference of $19,685 a year, or about $78,740 over four years.
Do Syracuse University or Utica University graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn a median $79,164 ten years after entry, versus $63,277 at Utica University — a $15,887 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.