Students at New York University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top 5% nationally, with particularly strong outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds who see remarkable economic mobility.
The university's combination of academic rigor, Manhattan location, and extensive alumni network creates earning advantages that consistently exceed expectations for graduates across multiple fields.
New York University stands among the nation's most financially rewarding private institutions, delivering exceptional long-term earnings that place it in the top 6% nationally for return on investment. What makes NYU distinctive is its ability to consistently produce graduates who earn substantially more than peers at similar universities, with median 10-year earnings of $82,509 that reflect the institution's strength across high-value fields and its deep integration with New York City's economy.
As a large private research university in Manhattan, NYU combines academic breadth with unmatched access to internships, networking, and career opportunities in finance, technology, media, healthcare, and the arts. The university serves a selective student body where about 19% receive Pell Grants and 21% are first-generation college students, creating a community of high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds.
NYU's positioning as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects this balance: while access is more limited than at public universities, the students who do attend see remarkable outcomes. The university's location, alumni network, and program quality create a powerful combination that translates into some of the strongest earnings performance among private institutions nationwide.
New York University's program portfolio reflects its position as a comprehensive research university with particular strength in high-earning professional fields. Artificial Intelligence emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 487 graduates with strong earnings of nearly $80,000, making it the highest aggregate-return major. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $94,243, reflecting the premium that healthcare employers place on NYU-trained nurses in the competitive New York market.
The contrast between programs is striking and illustrates how major choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at NYU. While General Studies enrolls the most students at 593 graduates, its median earnings of $37,088 lag far behind technical and professional programs. This pattern reflects the broader reality that NYU's strongest financial returns come from fields that leverage the university's location and industry connections—particularly in healthcare, technology, finance, and business.
NYU's large scale allows it to maintain both high-enrollment programs that serve diverse student interests and specialized programs that command premium salaries. The university's Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to internships and entry-level positions in competitive industries, which helps explain why graduates in technical and professional fields consistently achieve earnings that exceed national averages for their disciplines.
New York University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that rank among the best in the country. Graduates earn a median of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, placing NYU in the top 6% nationally for earnings performance. This strong showing reflects both the university's rigorous academic programs and its strategic location in New York City, where students gain access to high-paying industries and extensive networking opportunities that continue to pay dividends throughout their careers.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly but trend toward high earnings across multiple fields. Artificial Intelligence stands out as NYU's highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 487 graduates with solid earnings of nearly $80,000 ten years out. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $94,243, while General Studies, despite being the largest program with 593 graduates, shows more modest returns at $37,088. This range illustrates how major choice significantly impacts financial outcomes, with technical and professional fields consistently outperforming liberal arts and general programs.
The university's strength lies in preparing students for high-mobility careers in finance, technology, healthcare, and media—industries where NYU's Manhattan location and alumni network provide substantial advantages. Many graduates enter competitive fields where starting salaries are strong and long-term earning potential continues to grow, contributing to NYU's exceptional performance in long-term financial outcomes.
Affordability at New York University presents a significant challenge for most families, with net prices that rank among the highest nationally. Low-income students face annual costs of $16,816, while middle-income families pay $18,555—both figures represent substantial financial commitments even after aid. High-income families encounter the full weight of NYU's premium pricing, with net costs reaching $59,931 annually, reflecting the university's position as one of the most expensive private institutions in the country.
The university's aid strategy focuses heavily on need-based support, which helps explain why low- and middle-income students face relatively similar net prices despite vastly different family resources. However, even with this aid, NYU requires significant financial commitment from families across all income levels. The gap between low-income and high-income net prices—more than $43,000—illustrates how much of the cost burden falls on families with higher earnings capacity.
For many families, NYU represents a high-cost, high-return investment where substantial upfront expenses are offset by exceptional long-term earnings potential. The university's location in Manhattan, combined with its academic reputation and alumni network, creates opportunities that many families view as worth the premium pricing, particularly for students entering high-earning fields.
New York University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
