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 • Allentown, PA & Elmira, NY
Choosing between Cedar Crest College and Elmira College means comparing two small private colleges with similar missions, overlapping program offerings, and comparable earnings outcomes — but notably different financial pictures. Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, consistently delivers earnings that exceed what students' backgrounds would predict.
Elmira, in upstate New York, costs more per year and produces outcomes that fall slightly below demographic expectations. For families weighing cost against institutional effectiveness, the gap is more meaningful than the raw earnings numbers suggest.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$28,620
borrowed by parents
$41,567
borrowed by parents
Both Cedar Crest College and Elmira College are predominantly Health-focused, with Registered Nursing as the top program at each institution — Cedar Crest producing 56 nursing graduates annually and Elmira producing 38. Beyond health, the schools diverge: Cedar Crest's additional program mix emphasizes 8% Business, 6% Social Sciences, and 5% Arts, with Psychology and Criminology rounding out its top programs.
Elmira concentrates more heavily on Business at 20% and Education at 9%, with Business Administration and Human Services among its largest non-nursing programs. These differences shape career trajectories for students outside the health professions.
For students prioritizing financial value and institutional effectiveness, Cedar Crest College presents the stronger case. It costs $3,727 less per year, carries a meaningfully lower affordability risk rating, results in $13,000 less in typical parent borrowing, and produces graduates who exceed earnings expectations by $13,411 at the median — compared to Elmira's slight underperformance relative to predictions.
Elmira College offers genuine strengths: a slightly higher graduation rate, a stronger Business and Education program concentration, and a New York location that may suit students targeting that job market. For families focused on keeping total borrowing manageable and getting more than predicted from their investment, Cedar Crest is the clearer financial choice.
Students drawn to Elmira's specific programs or location should carefully evaluate the higher Parent PLUS exposure before committing.
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.
