Monroe University
Monroe University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Monroe University at a Glance
Monroe University is a private for-profit university in New York City. It was founded in 1933 and has campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle and Saint Lucia, with degree programs also available through Monroe Online. It is named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
1933
93 years old
7,924
6,400 undergrad · 1,524 grad
196
Identity
Is Monroe University Worth It?
Monroe University offers moderate value at $14,522/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $41,236, which is 23% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% 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.
How Monroe University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 13 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 | Monroe University | 40 | $14,522 | $41,236 |
| #2 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | 29 | $17,962 | $39,080 |
| #3 | Rasmussen University-Florida | 21 | $21,909 | $39,080 |
| #4 | South College | 21 | $17,858 | $36,642 |
| #5 | Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga | 19 | $23,958 | $31,102 |
| #6 | Bryan University | 15 | $20,834 | $40,283 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Monroe University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Monroe University
The highest-earning program at Monroe University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $36,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $25,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Monroe University earns $36,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $25,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $28,177 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,522/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $36,400 | $36,400 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,100 | $36,100 | $27,162 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $35,700 | $35,700 | $26,000 |
| Public Health | $33,700 | $33,700 | $25,800 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $30,100 | $30,100 | $25,061 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,600 | $29,600 | $26,887 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $25,800 | $25,800 | $28,177 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Bronx, NY
- Student Body
- 5,701 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,522
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,236
- Median Student Debt
- $18,818