Head-to-Head Comparison
Bryant University vs Union College
- Bryant Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 13
- Union Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $34,561 vs Bryant University's $41,219, Union College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Union College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bryant
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Union College
Union
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $6,658 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,337, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 44% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bryant graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (82% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Bryant University over Union College. Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment vs $88,604.
Pick Union College over Bryant University. Net price $34,561 vs $41,219.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bryant University and Union College are close on paper, but Union College 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
Union College is the harder admit. It takes 44% of applicants, while Bryant University takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,265 to 1,395.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Union College 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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $6,658 a year below Bryant University's $41,219. Graduates of Union College also borrow less: median debt of $25,337, against $26,849.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,632 before any change in aid. Choosing Union College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bryant University graduates report median earnings of $90,008, compared with $88,604 at Union College. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Union College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Union College to keep costs and debt down; pick Bryant University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Union College saves about $6,658 a year, yet Bryant University graduates earn $1,404 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. Bryant University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Union College leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,219 runs well above Union College's $34,561.
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bryant University's enrollment of 3,194 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College has less business program depth, and Bryant University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Union offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Bryant does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of around 3,200 students and an acceptance rate of 65%, Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a great fit for those interested in business and marketing, as well as fields like mathematics, social sciences, and communications. The school’s focus on practical skills and real-world applications prepares students well for their future careers. Students here can expect to be engaged in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and innovation.
After graduation, the financial outlook for Bryant alumni is strong, with a median earning of $90,008 ten years after completing their degree. This figure is significant as it indicates that many graduates find solid career opportunities. Additionally, the affordability of Bryant is notable, as its net price after financial aid is $41,219, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. This means that students who invest in their education at Bryant can expect a good return on that investment.
When considering the practical aspects of attending Bryant, it’s important to look at the financial implications. The median debt for graduates stands at $26,849, which is reasonable given the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the supportive community and resources available. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many find their place and succeed in reaching their educational goals.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
Rankings They Appear On
Bryant University is featured on the Best Master's Programs in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bryant's top program is Business Administration (82% of enrollment), while Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Bryant) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bryant University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Humanities. 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.
Bryant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bryant University or Union College?
Union College is harder to get into, admitting 44% of applicants compared with 65% at Bryant University.
Which is more affordable, Bryant University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $41,219 at Bryant University.
Do Bryant University or Union College graduates earn more?
Bryant University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,604 at Union College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bryant University or Union College?
Union College has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 80%.
Should you choose Bryant University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bryant 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.
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