Students at Nazareth University benefit from above-average long-term earnings that place the institution in the top third nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The university's strength in nursing and healthcare programs, combined with small class sizes and personalized faculty attention, creates a supportive environment for career preparation.
Nazareth University is a small private nonprofit institution in Rochester, New York, that combines personalized education with solid long-term outcomes. With just over 2,000 students, the university offers the close-knit community feel that many students seek, while still delivering earnings that place it in the 68th percentile nationally for graduate financial success.
What distinguishes Nazareth is its focus on professional preparation, particularly in healthcare fields. The university's nursing program stands out as both academically rigorous and financially rewarding, with graduates earning significantly more than the institutional median. Psychology and business administration also attract substantial enrollment, though outcomes vary considerably by field of study.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Nazareth serves a moderate share of low-income students while working to improve their long-term prospects. The university's 73% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success, though the higher price point means families need to weigh the personalized attention and specialized programs against the financial investment required.
Nazareth University's program portfolio reflects its focus on professional preparation and career-oriented education. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and most financially rewarding major, with 37 graduates earning around $63,005 ten years after graduation. This program combines strong enrollment with excellent earnings outcomes, making it a key driver of the university's overall financial performance.
Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 46 graduates, though earnings are more modest at approximately $31,236, typical for this field but highlighting the importance of career planning and potentially graduate school for students in liberal arts disciplines. Business Administration, with 35 graduates earning around $44,021, offers a middle ground between the high-earning nursing program and lower-earning liberal arts fields.
The concentration of strong outcomes in healthcare reflects both regional employment opportunities in the Rochester area and Nazareth's particular strength in preparing students for these in-demand careers. Students considering Nazareth should carefully evaluate how their intended major aligns with the university's areas of expertise and the local job market.
Nazareth University graduates earn a median of $56,458 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 68th percentile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. While this represents solid financial returns, graduates earn somewhat less than might be expected given the university's private status and higher costs, with earnings running about $17,200 below what similar students achieve at comparable institutions.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its healthcare programs, particularly nursing. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $63,005 ten years out, significantly outpacing the institutional median and reflecting the strong demand for qualified nurses in the Rochester region and beyond. Business Administration graduates earn approximately $44,021, while Psychology majors—the largest program by enrollment with 46 graduates—see more modest earnings around $31,236, typical for this field but highlighting how program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes.
The variation in earnings by major underscores the importance of aligning academic interests with career goals at Nazareth. Students in professionally-oriented programs like nursing and business tend to see stronger immediate returns on their educational investment, while those in liberal arts fields may need to consider graduate school or additional training to maximize their earning potential.
Nazareth University's affordability profile reflects its private nonprofit status, with net prices that are higher than most public alternatives but include substantial institutional aid. Low-income students pay approximately $22,378 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $28,829, and higher-income families pay about $33,978. These prices place Nazareth in the 14th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning most comparable institutions cost less.
Despite the higher sticker price, many students find the investment manageable through a combination of federal aid, institutional scholarships, and family contributions. Typical graduates leave with about $26,038 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that most can handle given the university's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $36,275, reflecting the reality that many families need to contribute significantly to cover the full cost of attendance at a private institution like Nazareth.
Nazareth University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
