At $20,129/yr net price, York University graduates earn $44,130/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,130/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,129 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,516 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,130/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,130/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,941/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,730/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,012/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,335/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,714/yr |
The Risk Factor
37.4% of students at York University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
York University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $44,130 against a net price over $20,000 annually, you face a lengthy payback period that many graduates struggle to complete.
The 37% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at York. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without degrees, typically carrying debt but lacking the credential needed for higher earnings. The 67% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students recognize the poor value proposition.
York's location in rural Nebraska limits high-paying job opportunities after graduation. The regional economy cannot support the salary growth needed to justify the investment, particularly for liberal arts majors who may earn below the already-modest median. Business and education programs offer the strongest prospects, though even these face geographic constraints.
You should consider York only if you qualify for substantial merit aid that drops your net cost below $15,000 annually. The school awards aid to 44% of students, suggesting some scholarship opportunities exist. However, with median debt of $21,500 for a degree that may not materialize, the financial risks outweigh potential benefits for most applicants.
Strong students with solid academic records should look at larger state universities or private colleges with better graduation rates and alumni networks. York makes financial sense only for local students who can live at home, significantly reducing costs, or those receiving near-full scholarships. The combination of high dropout risk and limited earning potential makes this investment difficult to justify at full price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is York University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
York University's graduates earn $44,130 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,129 annually and median debt of $21,500, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at York University and does it affect ROI?
York University has a 37% graduation rate, meaning most students who start don't finish their degrees. This significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the earnings boost from completing their degree.
How much debt do York University graduates typically have?
York University graduates have median debt of $21,500, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. However, the lower post-graduation earnings of $44,130 mean it takes longer to pay off loans than at higher-earning schools.
Which programs at York University offer the best return on investment?
Specific program-level earnings data isn't available, but given York University's overall modest graduate earnings, students should research job placement rates and starting salaries for their intended major before enrolling. Career-focused programs typically offer better ROI than general studies.