Long Island University
Long Island University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Long Island University at a Glance
Long Island University (LIU) is a private research university in Brooklyn and Brookville, New York, United States. LIU is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university enrolls over 16,000 students and offers over 500 academic programs at its main campuses, LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post on Long Island, in addition to non-residential locations and online. The LIU Sharks athletic teams c…
1926
100 years old
$510M
$510.15 million (2025)
16,322
11,753 undergrad · 4,569 grad
962
11 acres
Identity
Is Long Island University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Long Island University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,950 — 11% above average — while paying $33,062/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Long Island University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Long Island University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #52 of 59 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #3 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #4 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #5 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #52 | Long Island University | 25 | $33,062 | $59,950 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Long Island University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in NY.
Best Programs at Long Island University
The highest-earning program at Long Island University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $90,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $14,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Long Island University earns $90,900, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $14,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,292 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $33,062/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $90,900 | $90,900 | $25,292 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $77,700 | $77,700 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $46,800 | $46,800 | $26,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $46,100 | $46,100 | $25,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,900 | $37,900 | $25,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,600 | $36,600 | $25,000 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $36,200 | $36,200 | $29,467 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $35,700 | $35,700 | $24,500 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $31,300 | $31,300 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,700 | $30,700 | $25,131 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $30,400 | $30,400 | N/A |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $29,600 | $29,600 | $21,425 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $28,300 | $28,300 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $27,100 | $27,100 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $24,900 | $24,900 | $26,125 |
| Biology, General | $24,600 | $24,600 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $22,600 | $22,600 | $26,000 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $21,100 | $21,100 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $19,600 | $19,600 | $23,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $18,500 | $18,500 | $22,250 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $18,300 | $18,300 | $21,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $14,100 | $14,100 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Brookville, NY
- Student Body
- 5,520 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $33,062
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,950
- Median Student Debt
- $23,577