At $30,521/yr net price, Nazareth University graduates earn $56,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,458/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,521 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,458/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,038 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,378/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,843/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,829/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,697/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,978/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $65,089 | $65,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $52,107 | $46,183 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $51,690 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,790 | $29,834 |
| Social Work. | Master | $46,321 | $40,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,970 | $38,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,021 | $23,047 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $43,128 | $34,043 |
The Risk Factor
72.9% of students at Nazareth University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Nazareth University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $30,521 annual net price puts this Rochester school in reasonable territory for private colleges, but your career earnings will vary dramatically by program.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $63,005 in median earnings with relatively manageable $26,000 debt loads. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions pay even more at $65,089 annually, though graduates carry substantially higher debt at $65,000. Business administration graduates earn $58,221 with unspecified debt levels, making it another solid choice.
Communication disorders and human resources management show weaker returns. Speech therapy graduates face $46,183 in debt for $52,107 earnings, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years.
The 73% graduation rate signals completion risk, particularly concerning given the private school price tag. Nearly one in four students who start here won't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 81% retention rate suggests first-year satisfaction issues that could indicate academic or social fit problems.
Only 26% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting Nazareth primarily serves families who can afford the full cost. This limits merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income students who don't qualify for need-based assistance but struggle with the price.
Nazareth makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health programs and can handle the debt load. The Rochester job market supports these healthcare careers well. Skip this school if you're considering lower-earning majors or need substantial financial aid. The regional focus means career opportunities may feel limited if you want to leave upstate New York after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nazareth University worth the cost?
Nazareth University graduates earn $56,458 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $30,521 annual net cost. The school's value depends heavily on your program choice, with rehabilitation and nursing majors earning significantly more than the average.
What are the best paying majors at Nazareth University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead at $65,089 annually, followed by nursing at $63,005. Business administration graduates earn $58,221, while communication disorders and human resources majors see lower returns around $52,000.
How much debt do Nazareth University students graduate with?
The median debt is $26,038, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with average earnings of $56,458, graduates will likely need 5-7 years to pay off loans depending on their chosen field.
Does Nazareth University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 73% graduation rate and an 84% acceptance rate, Nazareth admits most applicants but doesn't graduate all of them. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with healthcare and business majors seeing better job prospects than liberal arts graduates.