Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Garden City, NY & Green Bay, WI
When students choose between Adelphi University and Bellin College, they're comparing two very different approaches to health career preparation. Both schools produce similar earnings outcomes around $76,000 at the median, but Adelphi achieves this while serving 29% Pell students versus Bellin's 13% — a sign of stronger institutional effectiveness.
However, Bellin's specialized nursing focus delivers those outcomes with dramatically less debt. The question becomes: institutional impact versus financial simplicity.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$18,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$48,005
borrowed by parents
$18,000
borrowed by parents
Both schools are health-focused institutions, but with different breadth. Adelphi offers a diversified mix including nursing (436 graduates), psychology (102), sports medicine (75), biology (73), and business (64).
Bellin College operates as a specialized health sciences institution, concentrating primarily on nursing (123 graduates) and allied health professions (20). Adelphi's program diversity creates multiple pathways to health careers, while Bellin's narrow focus delivers deep specialization in nursing and related fields.
For students prioritizing financial simplicity and specialized nursing preparation, Bellin College delivers identical career outcomes with dramatically lower debt burden — just $18,000 total versus Adelphi's $73,005. Adelphi offers broader program diversity and demonstrates stronger institutional effectiveness in boosting outcomes for economically diverse students, making it the better choice for students seeking multiple health career pathways who can manage higher debt levels.
The data points to Bellin as the stronger financial value for nursing-focused students, but Adelphi's institutional impact serves students well if debt isn't prohibitive. The right choice depends on your career specificity, family financial capacity, and preference for specialized versus diversified health programs.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
