Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Syracuse University
- New York Wins
- 35
- Tied
- 9
- Syracuse Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,050 vs Syracuse University's $38,793, New York University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New York 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
New York
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $1,743 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- 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
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #60
Syracuse
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 York University over Syracuse University. Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick New York University over Syracuse University. Net price $37,050 vs $38,793.
Pick New York University over Syracuse University. THE World Rank #60 vs #177.
Pick New York University over Syracuse University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick New York University over Syracuse University. 88% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and Syracuse University are close on paper, but New York University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,375.
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 $1,743 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $6,972 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, New York University graduates report median earnings of $82,509, compared with $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 Syracuse University, it is 2.9%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.7%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, New York University sits higher, at #60 versus #177.
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 York University 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
Their academic identities diverge. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, while Syracuse University leans toward Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Syracuse University's 15,477.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $20,500 at New York University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse 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 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.
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 York University and Syracuse University appear together in 5 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs in New York, New York University ranks #5 — New York University outranks Syracuse University by 21 positions.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 York) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Syracuse University concentrates in 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 Syracuse University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Syracuse University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do New York University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
New York University graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Syracuse University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 82%.
New York University vs Syracuse 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 2.9%.
Should you choose New York University or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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