Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Santa Clara University
- New York Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 14
- Santa Clara Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Santa Clara University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $50,062 compared to New York University's $37,050. 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
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $13,012 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
Santa Clara
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than New York University
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,162, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% of degrees); Santa Clara in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 Santa Clara University over New York University. Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Santa Clara University. Net price $37,050 vs $50,062.
Pick New York University over Santa Clara University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,426.
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 $13,012 a year below Santa Clara University's $50,062. Graduates of Santa Clara University also borrow less: median debt of $19,162, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,048 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, Santa Clara University graduates report median earnings of $109,183, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, Santa Clara University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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.
Moving people up
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Santa Clara University, it is 2.2%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
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 Santa Clara 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. New York University saves about $13,012 a year, yet Santa Clara University graduates earn $26,674 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. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, while Santa Clara University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Santa Clara University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Santa Clara University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Santa Clara University's 6,552.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $50,062 runs well above New York University's $37,050.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 18% at Santa Clara — 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
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.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.
The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.
Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.
Rankings They Appear On
Santa Clara University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% of enrollment), while Santa Clara leads with Business Administration (27%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Santa Clara).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science & IT, while Santa Clara University concentrates in Engineering, Communications. 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 York University or Santa Clara University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 48% at Santa Clara University.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Santa Clara University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $50,062 at Santa Clara University.
Do New York University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more: median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
New York University vs Santa Clara 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 2.2%.
Should you choose New York University or Santa Clara University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Santa Clara 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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