Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Union College
- New York Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 18
- Union Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to Union College's $34,561 for in-state paths. Students who choose Union College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $88,604 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- 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
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $2,489 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 Union College over New York University. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick Union College over New York University. Net price $34,561 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Union College. 88% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and Union College are close on paper, but New York University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,395.
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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $2,489 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,956 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, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Union College to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, 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
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, 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; Union 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.
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
New York University is featured on the Best MBA Programs for General Management ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% of enrollment), while Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into New York University or Union College?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York University or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Union College?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 83%.
Should you choose New York University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York 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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