Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs New York University
- Brigham Young Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 12
- New York Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $21,486 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
New York
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Brigham Young University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% 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 New York University over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over New York University. Net price $15,564 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Brigham Young University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick New York University over Brigham Young University. 88% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and New York University are close on paper, but New York University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 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, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $21,486 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $85,944 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New York University graduates report median earnings of $82,509, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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
New York University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
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 Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick New York University 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. Brigham Young University saves about $21,486 a year, yet New York University graduates earn $6,719 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Brigham Young competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Brigham Young University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Brigham Young — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at New York, where only about 38% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
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
Brigham Young University and New York University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Supply Chain Management, Brigham Young University ranks #2 — Brigham Young University outranks New York University by 8 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences. 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 Brigham Young University or New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or New York University?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do Brigham Young University or New York University graduates earn more?
New York University graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University 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 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York University 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Brigham Young and New York stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
