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 • New York, NY & El Paso, TX
When students choose between CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and The University of Texas at El Paso, they're comparing two large public universities that serve remarkably similar populations — both enroll about 60% Pell grant recipients and substantial first-generation student populations. Yet the financial outcomes differ dramatically.
John Jay costs less and produces higher earnings, creating a rare win-win scenario in higher education value comparisons.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$11,000
federal loans
$18,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$16,130
borrowed by parents
$11,916
borrowed by parents
John Jay is predominantly Security & Protective Services-focused, with its largest program being Criminal Justice (1,582 graduates annually), followed by Clinical Psychology (481) and Criminology (230). UT El Paso has a more balanced mix: 17% Business and 14% Engineering, with top programs including Nursing (347 graduates), Criminal Justice (283), and Biology (268).
While both serve Criminal Justice students, John Jay's specialized focus on law enforcement and security careers shapes its higher earning outcomes in those fields.
For students prioritizing financial value, John Jay delivers superior outcomes at significantly lower cost — a rare combination in higher education. UT El Paso offers broader program diversity and the Texas university experience, making it suitable for students specifically drawn to its engineering or business programs who can manage the higher cost.
The data overwhelmingly points to John Jay as the stronger financial choice, particularly for students interested in criminal justice, public safety, or psychology careers. Unless you're specifically committed to Texas or need programs John Jay doesn't offer, the value advantage is clear.
John Jay provides both immediate affordability and long-term earning power that UT El Paso simply cannot match at its current 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.
