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Villanova University vs University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Villanova PA · vs · Public, Bradford PA

The verdict

Villanova University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $175,024 in 3.4 years versus 3.5 years at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, on median earnings of $100,423 vs $66,125 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVillanova UniversityUniversity of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Net price / yr$43,756$15,350
Total net cost$175,024$61,400
Median earnings, 10 yrs$100,423$66,125
Median debt$25,874$24,250
Payback3.4 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$866,236$293,900

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

Which is cheaper, Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, at $15,350 a year after aid versus $43,756 — a gap of $28,406 a year, or $113,624 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earn more?

Villanova University graduates report a median $100,423 ten years after entry, $34,298 more than the $66,125 at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. 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, Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,874 at Villanova University, a difference of $1,624. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

92% of students finish at Villanova University, against 48% at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. 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.

Villanova University vs University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: frequently asked questions

Is Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford a better value?
Villanova University. It clears its $175,024 net cost in about 3.4 years versus 3.5 years at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, on median earnings of $100,423 vs $66,125 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: $15,350/yr net price after aid versus $43,756/yr at Villanova University — a difference of $28,406 a year, or about $113,624 over four years.
Do Villanova University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn a median $100,423 ten years after entry, versus $66,125 at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford — a $34,298 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.