Adelphi University combines accessible admission (77.5% acceptance rate) with exceptional post-graduation outcomes. Graduates earn $17,289 beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels, creating strong return on investment for diverse student populations including 35.4% first-generation students.
With top-tier performance, driven by exceptional earnings beyond expectations and strong long-term outcomes
With modestly below average performance, indicating higher costs relative to comparable institutions
With above-average results, reflecting solid enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With above-average outcomes, combining reasonable access with strong earnings growth for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisAdelphi University demonstrates exceptional return on investment through strong earnings outcomes combined with controlled debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $75,482 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 91st percentile nationally and significantly above the peer median of $63,066.
Earnings beyond expectations reach $17,289, placing Adelphi at the 93rd percentile on this crucial measure of institutional value. The earnings distribution spans from $49,267 at the 25th percentile to $106,760 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career pathways across programs.
Students seeking strong graduate outcomes at an accessible private university, particularly those interested in nursing, business, and health professions. Well-suited for first-generation students (35.4%) who value supportive environments with manageable debt levels and proven earnings growth potential.
Adelphi University admits 77.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Adelphi in the Open Access category (>75% admission rate), making it significantly more accessible than highly selective private universities.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates Adelphi is slightly more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong chances of admission, though the university maintains academic standards through its test score expectations and course requirements.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Adelphi University's published cost of attendance totals $57,444 annually, comprising $47,290 in tuition, $20,028 for room and board, and $1,020 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less through financial aid, with a net price of $28,348 after aid is applied.
This represents $29,096 in average financial aid savings from the sticker price, reducing actual costs by approximately 51%. The net price of $28,348 is $1,205 above the peer median of $27,143, indicating modestly higher costs compared to similar private nonprofit institutions.
Financial aid effectiveness varies considerably by family income level, with the greatest assistance directed toward students from lower-income backgrounds. The cost structure reflects typical private university pricing with substantial discounting through institutional aid.
Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the published cost significantly overstates what most families actually pay. The university's financial aid approach prioritizes need-based assistance while maintaining revenue through higher-income family contributions.
Understanding the cost breakdown helps families prepare for the actual financial commitment rather than being deterred by the published price.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
436 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
44 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
32 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
11 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
64 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Similar quality tier in Northeast (#444 ranked) | MA | 59% | $103,470 | #444 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the Adelphi University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/adelphi-university/analysis.
Selective Achievers: Strong outcomes with accessible admission
Adelphi University ranks #448 nationally, placing in the 73rd percentile among four-year institutions. Located in Garden City, New York, this medium-sized private nonprofit university maintains open access admission with a 77.5% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Adelphi enrolls 29.4% Pell-eligible students and 35.4% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse student backgrounds. Graduates earn $17,289 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 93rd percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $75,482 ten years after enrollment, placing Adelphi in the 91st percentile for long-term earnings outcomes. Compared to a peer median of $63,066, graduates earn $12,416 more annually.
This combination of accessible admission, above-average student diversity, and exceptional earnings performance places Adelphi within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions serve fewer low-income students while delivering strong outcomes.
The combination of open access admission with strong post-graduation outcomes makes Adelphi attractive for students seeking quality education without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. Students should view Adelphi as a realistic option while building balanced college lists that include both more and less selective alternatives.
The university's 77.5% admission rate suggests that demonstrated academic preparation and genuine interest in the institution carry significant weight in admission decisions, creating opportunities for students who may not qualify for highly selective universities.
Adelphi University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings increase from $63,688 six years after enrollment to $71,399 at eight years and $75,482 at ten years, representing 18.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 690 six-year graduates, 794 eight-year graduates, and 916 ten-year graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $17,289 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Adelphi at the 93rd percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating exceptional institutional effectiveness.
Low-income graduates earn $61,900 annually, indicating strong support systems for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings range from $49,267 at the 25th percentile to $106,760 at the 75th percentile represents a 2.2:1 ratio, reflecting meaningful variation in career outcomes across different fields of study.
Approximately 36% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Adelphi University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out as the flagship program, ranking #14 nationally and #5 in New York, producing 436 graduates with median earnings of $104,953 and an exceptional value score of 95.3.
Accounting Technology ranks #46 nationally and #5 in New York, graduating 44 students with median earnings of $79,507 and a strong value score of 83.6. Forensic Social Work ranks #14 nationally and #5 in New York, graduating 43 students with median earnings of $55,710 and an outstanding value score of 93.3.
Psychology represents the second-largest program by enrollment with 102 graduates, while Business Administration and Management graduates 64 students annually. The university's strength in health professions, combined with solid business and social work programs, creates diverse pathways for career success across multiple high-demand fields.
Unity Environmental University Similar quality tier in Northeast (#442 ranked) | ME | 82% | $37,852 | #442 | Compare |
Maryville University Of Saint Louis Similar quality tier (#449 ranked) | MO | 94% | $62,105 | #449 | Compare |
St. Joseph's University-New York Similar quality tier in Northeast (#451 ranked) | NY | 71% | $63,905 | #451 | Compare |
National Louis University Similar quality tier (#452 ranked) | IL | 93% | $45,799 | #452 | Compare |
