Niagara University
Niagara University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Niagara University at a Glance
Niagara University (NU) is a private Catholic university in Lewiston, New York, United States. Based in the Vincentian tradition, it is run by the Congregation of the Mission and enrolls approximately 3,700 students. Approximately half of the student body lives on campus, while the other half commute from the surrounding area. The campus area was listed as a census-designated place in 2020, with a population of 940.
1856
170 years old
$111M
$111.005 million (2022)
4,033
2,692 undergrad · 1,341 grad
Identity
Is Niagara University Worth It?
Niagara University offers moderate value at $17,248/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $56,196, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Niagara University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #7 of 144 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #7 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Niagara University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in NY.
Best Programs at Niagara University
The highest-earning program at Niagara University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $67,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $22,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Niagara University earns $67,300, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $22,700. 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 $26,294 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,248/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 | $67,300 | $67,300 | $26,294 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,600 | $35,600 | $25,080 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,800 | $33,800 | $24,625 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $33,500 | $33,500 | $21,648 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,700 | $22,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Niagara University, NY
- Student Body
- 2,653 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,248
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,196
- Median Student Debt
- $25,475