Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs New York University
- Babson Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 14
- New York Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Babson College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,514 compared to New York University's $37,050 for in-state paths. Students who choose New York University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,509 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 50% more than New York University
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,000, the lower of the two
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $3,464 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over New York University. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Babson College. Net price $37,050 vs $40,514.
Pick New York University over Babson College. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.8%.
Pick Babson College over New York University. 93% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and New York University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Babson College takes 17%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, New York University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,050, about $3,464 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of Babson College also borrow less: median debt of $20,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,856 before any change in aid. Choosing New York University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 50% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 50% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Babson College, it is 2.8%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick New York University to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. New York University saves about $3,464 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $41,429 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Babson competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Babson College offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 39% at Babson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College and New York University appear together in 11 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Babson College ranks #1 — Babson College outranks New York University by 44 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 17% at Babson College.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or New York University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or New York University graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or New York University?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 88%.
Babson College vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 2.8%.
Should you choose Babson College or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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