Head-to-Head Comparison
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs Syracuse University
- New Jersey Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 11
- Syracuse Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Syracuse University achieves a higher graduation rate (82% vs 73%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,793 compared to New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New Jersey Institute of Technology'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
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $22,289 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Syracuse
- Higher grad rate: 82% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 46% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #177
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New Jersey graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (33% of degrees); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Jersey Institute of Technology over Syracuse University. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Syracuse University. Net price $16,504 vs $38,793.
Pick Syracuse University over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #177 vs #350-400.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Syracuse University. 6.5% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Syracuse University over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 82% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New Jersey Institute of Technology and Syracuse University are close on paper, but New Jersey Institute of Technology 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
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 to 1,375.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse 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 Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $22,289 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of New Jersey Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $21,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $89,156 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, New Jersey Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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
Syracuse University graduates a larger share of its students, 82% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at Syracuse University, it is 2.9%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Syracuse University sits higher, at #177 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick New Jersey Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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
Syracuse University is harder to get into, with a 46% admit rate, but New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 6.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Syracuse University ranks higher globally (#177 vs #350-400), but New Jersey Institute of Technology alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — New Jersey competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $21,000 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Syracuse offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; New Jersey 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) 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New Jersey's top program is Computer Science (33% of enrollment), while Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. New Jersey Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while Syracuse University concentrates in Social Sciences, Communications, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, New Jersey Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do New Jersey Institute of Technology or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 73%.
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs Syracuse University: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 2.9%.
Should you choose New Jersey Institute of Technology or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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