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 • Easton, MA & Scranton, PA
When students choose between Stonehill College and University of Scranton, they're comparing two remarkably similar institutions that achieve very different results. Both are private Catholic colleges in the Northeast with nearly identical costs and graduation rates.
Yet Stonehill consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations while Scranton underperforms demographic predictions. The question becomes: what accounts for this institutional effectiveness gap?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$58,576
borrowed by parents
$41,370
borrowed by parents
Both schools are predominantly business-focused, with Stonehill graduating 24% in business fields and Scranton at 23%. Stonehill's program mix includes 24% Business, 19% Social Sciences, and 6% Education, with top programs including Psychology (97 graduates), Criminology (72), and Finance (52).
Scranton emphasizes health sciences alongside business, with Nursing (81 graduates), Sports/Kinesiology (71), and Accounting (63) leading enrollment. These program concentrations help explain similar career trajectories but don't account for the earnings premium differences.
For students prioritizing institutional effectiveness and career outcomes, Stonehill College delivers superior value creation despite higher family debt. The school consistently produces earnings beyond demographic predictions while Scranton underperforms expectations.
Scranton offers lower parent debt burden and comparable completion rates, making it better for families prioritizing debt minimization over earnings optimization. The data points to Stonehill as demonstrating stronger institutional value-add, but the right choice depends on your family's debt tolerance and confidence in the earnings premium materializing for your specific career path.
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.
