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 & Worcester, MA
When students choose between Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Adelphi University, they're comparing fundamentally different career paths. WPI, located in Worcester, MA, is an engineering powerhouse preparing students for high-paying technical careers.
Adelphi, in Garden City, NY, emphasizes health sciences and business fields with lower earnings but also lower costs. Both are private institutions, but the financial equations look dramatically different.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$48,005
borrowed by parents
$53,567
borrowed by parents
WPI is predominantly engineering-focused, with 66% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields. The largest programs include Mechanical Engineering (262 graduates), Computer Science (201), and Biomedical Engineering (100).
Adelphi has a health sciences emphasis, with Registered Nursing leading at 436 graduates, followed by Psychology (102) and Sports/Kinesiology (75). The program concentrations directly explain the earnings gap — engineering careers typically command higher salaries than health and social service fields.
For students targeting high-paying engineering careers, WPI delivers substantial earnings advantages that justify the higher cost — graduates earn $27,988 more annually despite paying $14,925 more per year. Adelphi offers strong value for students interested in nursing, psychology, or business fields who prioritize affordability and can manage the concerning debt burden.
The data points to WPI as the stronger long-term financial investment for students who can handle the premium upfront costs and want engineering careers. Choose based on your career goals: WPI for engineering wealth-building, Adelphi for service-oriented careers at a more manageable price point.
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.
