New York, NY · Private University
Is NYU Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$82,509
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$60,438
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,438
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$241,752
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.36x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
88.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$35,035
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
New York University graduates earn $37,509 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at New York University ranked by graduate earnings
349 graduates
95 graduates
17 graduates
259 graduates
594 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at New York University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At New York University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $129,248) and the lowest (Nutrition Sciences: $24,084) is $105,164/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $129,248 | 2.1x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $129,049 | 2.1x |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | $121,018 | 2.0x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $115,546 | 1.9x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $106,295 | 1.8x |
| Computer Engineering | $96,016 | 1.6x |
| Mathematics | $90,277 | 1.5x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $90,244 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $87,957 | 1.5x |
| Chemical Engineering | $87,775 | 1.4x |
| Civil Engineering | $85,133 | 1.4x |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $78,522 | 1.3x |
| Philosophy | $76,802 | 1.3x |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $76,658 | 1.3x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $76,421 | 1.3x |
| Real Estate(1yr data) | $74,912 | 1.2x |
| Political Science and Government | $68,518 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $66,914 | 1.1x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $66,903 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $66,460 | 1.1x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $65,523 | 1.1x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $65,392 | 1.1x |
| Social Sciences, General | $64,549 | 1.1x |
| Social Work | $64,289 | 1.1x |
| Chemistry | $63,411 | 1.1x |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $63,003 | 1.0x |
| Sociology | $61,935 | 1.0x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $57,687 | 0.9x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other | $56,533 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $55,481 | 0.9x |
| History | $55,058 | 0.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $54,415 | 0.9x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $49,316 | 0.8x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $46,932 | 0.8x |
| Computer Software and Media Applications(1yr data) | $42,891 | 0.7x |
| Biology, General | $41,300 | 0.7x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $37,573 | 0.6x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $37,512 | 0.6x |
| Social Sciences, Other(1yr data) | $35,772 | 0.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $29,664 | 0.5x |
| Physics(1yr data) | $24,802 | 0.4x |
| Nutrition SciencesLowest(1yr data) | $24,084 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | 1.36x | $82,509 | Average ROI |
| Boston University | 1.28x | $83,238 | Average ROI |
| Cornell University | 1.58x | $104,043 | Good ROI |
| Northeastern University | 1.47x | $92,538 | Average ROI |
| Tufts University | 1.23x | $83,214 | Average ROI |
| Johns Hopkins University | 1.38x | $87,555 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
New York University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $82,509 10 years after starting — $37,509 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.1 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.