York University
York University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
York University at a Glance
York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's third-largest university, with approximately 53,500 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 375,000 alumni worldwide. It has 11 faculties, including the Lassonde School of Engineering, Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, Glendon College, and 32 research centres.
Is York University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, York University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,130 — 18% below average — while paying $20,951/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 York University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How York University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #20 of 42 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 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #20 | York University | 23 | $20,951 | $44,130 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of York University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at York University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for York University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,951/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
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- York, NE
- Student Body
- 428 students
- Admission Rate
- 52%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,951
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,130
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500