At $28,348/yr net price, Adelphi University graduates earn $75,482/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,482/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,348 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,392 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,482/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,482/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,149/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,621/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,183/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,583/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,093/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $111,563 | $53,604 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $90,625 | $25,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,296 | $40,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $59,417 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $59,169 | $144,795 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $59,124 | $52,625 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $58,912 | $92,680 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $56,641 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Adelphi University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Adelphi University delivers solid but unspectacular financial returns, with nursing programs standing out as clear winners while psychology degrees carry dangerous debt loads. Your choice of major will largely determine whether this investment pays off.
Nursing graduates earn the strongest returns, with some programs reaching $111,563 annually. Even with higher debt loads around $53,604, these programs justify their cost through strong Long Island healthcare job demand. Business administration graduates see respectable $70,296 earnings with moderate $40,500 debt, making it a safer middle-ground option.
Clinical psychology programs present a major financial red flag. Despite $59,169 median earnings, graduates carry crushing $144,795 debt loads that create serious repayment challenges. You should avoid these programs unless you have substantial family financial support or guaranteed higher-paying career paths.
The 68.9% graduation rate creates additional risk. If you struggle academically or lack strong study habits, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 83% retention rate suggests many students find their academic fit, but nearly one in five transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Financial aid reaches less than 30% of students, indicating limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic credentials. Your best cost strategy involves negotiating aid packages and comparing offers from similar regional private colleges.
This school works financially if you pursue nursing or business, graduate on time, and can handle the $28,348 annual cost without excessive borrowing. Look elsewhere if you want psychology graduate programs, need substantial financial aid, or prefer lower-cost public alternatives with similar career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelphi University worth the cost?
Adelphi's value depends heavily on your major - nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $90,000-$111,000, while education and psychology majors start around $59,000. With a net price of $28,348 and median debt of $25,000, the ROI is reasonable for healthcare programs but weaker for other fields.
What programs at Adelphi University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return on investment at Adelphi, with graduates earning $90,000-$111,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn around $70,000, while education and psychology majors see lower starting salaries around $59,000.
How much debt do Adelphi University graduates typically have?
Adelphi graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level works well for nursing graduates but may be harder to service for lower-earning majors like education.
Are Adelphi University graduates able to find jobs after graduation?
Adelphi's 69% graduation rate is below the national average for four-year colleges. The school's location near New York City provides job opportunities, particularly for nursing and business graduates, though career outcomes vary significantly by program.