Students at Pace University achieve exceptional earnings outcomes that place low-income graduates in the top tier nationally, with median earnings of $67,100 that far exceed typical expectations.
The university consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations for all students, reflecting strong career preparation and employer connections in New York City's competitive job market.
Pace University delivers strong long-term value for students willing to invest in a private education in New York City. Located in Manhattan, this medium-sized private nonprofit university consistently produces graduates who earn more than expected compared with peers at similar institutions nationwide. With median 10-year earnings of $70,378 and graduates earning about $4,400 more than the typical outcome at comparable schools, Pace demonstrates clear return on investment despite higher upfront costs.
The university serves a moderately selective student population, with about 27% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 30% being first-generation college students. What sets Pace apart is its ability to deliver strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, particularly in professional fields like nursing, business, and accounting that align well with New York City's employment landscape.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Pace combines reasonable access with exceptional outcomes for low-income students, who earn a median of $67,100 ten years after enrollment. The university's location in one of the world's premier business centers, combined with its focus on career-oriented programs, creates pathways to high-earning positions that justify the investment for many families seeking urban professional opportunities.
Pace University's program portfolio reflects its focus on professional preparation and career outcomes in New York City's diverse economy. Nursing stands out as both the university's largest and most successful program, graduating 223 students annually with median earnings of $90,727 that reflect strong demand for healthcare professionals in the metropolitan area. This combination of scale and outcomes makes nursing a key driver of Pace's overall return on investment.
Business and accounting programs form another pillar of strength, with Accounting Technology graduating 133 students who earn $61,058 median income and General Business producing smaller cohorts earning $68,219. These programs benefit from Pace's Manhattan location and extensive employer relationships in finance, consulting, and corporate services that provide internships, networking, and career placement opportunities.
The university's program mix also includes creative fields like Acting, which graduates 90 students annually but with significantly lower median earnings of $21,850, reflecting the economic realities of entertainment industries. This variation highlights how program choice significantly impacts outcomes at Pace, where career-focused majors in healthcare, business, and technology consistently deliver stronger financial returns that align with the university's urban professional mission and justify the private education investment.
Pace University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $70,378, placing the university in the top 21% nationally for earnings outcomes. More importantly, Pace graduates earn about $4,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations that reflect the university's ability to add value through education, career services, and employer connections.
The university's program mix drives much of this success, with nursing leading both in scale and outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates 223 students annually with impressive median earnings of $90,727, making it both the largest and highest-return program. Business and accounting programs also perform well, with Accounting Technology graduates earning $61,058 and General Business majors reaching $68,219. These professional programs benefit from Pace's Manhattan location and strong employer relationships in healthcare, finance, and business services.
While most programs deliver solid returns, outcomes vary significantly by field. Acting majors, representing a smaller but notable cohort of 90 graduates, earn considerably less at $21,850 median income, reflecting the challenging economics of creative industries. This variation underscores the importance of program choice at Pace, where career-focused majors in business, healthcare, and technology tend to deliver the strongest financial outcomes that justify the private university investment.
Affordability at Pace University reflects the premium associated with private education in New York City, though the university provides meaningful financial aid to help offset costs. Low-income students pay a net price of $26,575 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $29,308, and higher-income students pay approximately $36,098. These prices place Pace in the bottom 12% nationally for affordability, indicating that families should expect to pay significantly more than at typical public institutions.
Despite higher sticker prices, many students find ways to manage costs through financial aid, work opportunities, and family contributions. The university's location in Manhattan provides abundant internship and part-time work opportunities that can help students offset expenses while gaining valuable professional experience. Federal student loan debt averages $23,250 for graduates, a manageable level given the strong earnings outcomes, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $37,007 for families who choose this financing option.
The key to Pace's affordability equation lies in the long-term return on investment. With graduates earning $70,378 ten years out and demonstrating earnings beyond expectations, most borrowers can comfortably handle their debt obligations. The university's strong loan repayment performance, with 76% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans and a 0% default rate, suggests that graduates generally achieve the financial stability needed to manage their educational investment successfully.
Pace University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
