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 • Albany, NY & Gwynedd Valley, PA
When students choose between Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Gwynedd Mercy University, they're comparing two distinct paths in healthcare. Both institutions focus on health sciences, but Albany specializes in pharmacy while Gwynedd emphasizes nursing and broader health programs.
The earnings data reveals a dramatic difference: Albany graduates earn $64,281 more at the median, or 96% higher than Gwynedd graduates. The question becomes whether pharmacy careers justify the more competitive admission requirements and specialized curriculum focus.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,500
federal loans
$25,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$39,900
borrowed by parents
$27,000
borrowed by parents
Albany College is predominantly health-focused, specializing in pharmacy education with its largest programs including Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (16 graduates annually) and Public Health (9 graduates). Gwynedd Mercy has a more diversified health mix with 12% Business and 5% Education alongside healthcare programs.
Gwynedd's largest program is Nursing (332 graduates annually), followed by Business Administration (51) and Allied Health professions (27). This fundamental difference in program concentration — pharmacy specialization versus nursing emphasis — directly explains the substantial earnings gap between institutions.
For students committed to pharmacy careers, Albany College delivers exceptional financial returns with median earnings nearly double Gwynedd's at a similar annual cost. Gwynedd offers broader healthcare training, particularly in nursing, with strong outcomes for a more accessible institution serving more first-generation students.
The data clearly favors Albany for raw financial returns — but the right choice depends on career certainty and program fit. If you're set on pharmacy and can handle the selective admissions process, Albany provides outstanding value.
If you prefer nursing or want more career flexibility in healthcare, Gwynedd offers solid preparation at a comparable price with less competitive admission requirements.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor Albany College, 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.
