At $18,740/yr net price, Niagara University graduates earn $56,196/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,196/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,740 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,196/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,196/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,475 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,441/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,613/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,100/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,369/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,715/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. | Bachelor | $69,854 | $26,211 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $54,644 | $28,641 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $53,497 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,478 | $34,325 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $23,658 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $40,813 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $24,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $19,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
The Risk Factor
70.2% of students at Niagara University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Niagara University delivers mixed financial returns with nursing programs clearly outperforming other majors. The school's $18,740 net price creates reasonable debt loads for most graduates, though outcomes vary dramatically by field.
Nursing graduates earn $69,854 annually with manageable $26,211 debt, making this program the strongest financial choice at Niagara. Business and accounting majors see more modest returns around $53,000-$54,000, but accounting students who avoid higher debt loads can still achieve solid outcomes. Special education graduates face the worst financial picture, earning just $46,478 while carrying $34,325 in debt.
The school's 70% graduation rate and 81% retention rate suggest most students complete their programs, but you face significant regional limitations in the western New York job market. With only 26% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited, making this primarily a full-pay option for middle-income families.
You should choose Niagara if you plan to study nursing and can handle the program's demands. The business programs work for students who can keep debt low and plan to stay in the Buffalo-Niagara region where the school's local connections matter most. Avoid education programs unless you have strong personal reasons for teaching, as the debt-to-income ratio creates long-term financial stress.
The school works best for students from Catholic families seeking a smaller private college experience who can afford the net price without excessive borrowing. If you need substantial financial aid or want stronger earning potential across multiple majors, larger public universities in New York offer better financial returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niagara University worth the cost?
Niagara University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $69,854 annually while education majors start around $46,478, making the $25,475 median debt manageable for healthcare students but potentially burdensome for others.
What are the best paying majors at Niagara University?
Nursing programs at Niagara University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning nearly $70,000 annually. Business and accounting majors earn in the mid-$50,000 range, while education graduates face lower starting salaries around $46,000.
How much debt do Niagara University graduates typically have?
Niagara University graduates leave with a median debt of $25,475. With a net price of $18,740 per year, most students can expect total debt under $30,000 if they graduate in four years.
Does Niagara University have good job prospects after graduation?
Niagara University's 70% graduation rate is below average for four-year colleges. However, nursing and business programs show solid earning potential, while the high acceptance rate of 89% suggests less selective admissions standards.