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Utica University

Utica, NY | Private Nonprofit | University

Utica University has an acceptance rate of 92.0%, average net price of $19,108, and a national rank of #1123 (Grade B-), with a 56.2% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $57,422 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

Utica University is a private nonprofit university in Utica, NY. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.

Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 68.7%, roughly 18.8 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B-
Ranking
#1123 of 6,119
How We Rank Schools
At a Glance
Ranking
#1123 of 6,119 (Top 18.4%)
Tuition
Not reported
Net Price
$19,108
Acceptance Rate
92.0%
Transfer Rate
5.5%
Student Population
Not reported
Student-Faculty
12:1
Graduation Rate
56.2%
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$57,422
ROI
68.7%

Who is Utica University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1123 of 6,119
Top 18.4% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
35.0 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
1.75 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B-
#917 of 6,119
Affordability
B
#838 of 6,119
Support
B
#883 of 6,119
Career Outcomes
C+
#1,316 of 6,119

Utica University graduates 56.2% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$19,108 average net price after aid.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
56.2% finish within six years. 45.6% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Somewhat likely
47.7% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $57,422. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Utica University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$148,820
$37,205 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$83,635
$19,108 × 4.4 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.4 years | 4-Year Rate: 45.6% | 6-Year Rate: 56.2%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 45.6% and six-year completion is 56.2%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$37,205
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$19,108
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees Not reported
Books and Supplies Not reported
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $37,205

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
0.0%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Utica University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
68.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $57,422
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $57,422
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
  • Average Student Debt $17,538
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 58.6%
  • Employment Rate 47.7%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Utica University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $57,422 six years after enrollment — roughly 31% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.46 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Utica University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Utica University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Utica University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Utica University graduates earn $57,422 median six years after enrollment, +31% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
92.0%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 480-660
  • SAT Math 510-590
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 0
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate 56.2%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1

How to Get Into Utica University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Utica University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 92.0%, Utica University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 92.0% acceptance rate, Utica University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1250 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Utica University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Homeland Security, and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen draw the most students.

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 35.0%
  • Homeland Security 14.0%
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 9.9%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.6%
  • Research and Experimental Psychology 3.8%
  • Biology, General 3.2%
See more majors
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 2.5%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 2.0%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $95,160
  • 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $67,051
  • 3. Construction Management $66,541
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Homeland Security $65,308
  • 5. Biology, General $58,953
  • 6. Psychology, General $57,873
  • 7. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $57,065
  • 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,386
  • 9. Security Science and Technology $53,951
  • 10. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $49,467

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $119,942
  • 2. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $104,483
  • 3. Social Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $101,777
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $99,791
  • 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $80,660
  • 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $76,492
  • 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $70,015
  • 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $57,653
  • 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $47,021

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $95,160—92% more than Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($49,467). Graduate: Homeland Security programs lead with $119,942 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Utica University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 18 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (33 programs)
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Biology, General
  • Psychology, General
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Construction Management
  • History
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Political Science and Government
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Chemistry
  • Sociology
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Mathematics
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • International/Global Studies
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Physics
  • Journalism
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Philosophy
  • Economics
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 0.0%
  • Female Students 0.0%
  • Caucasian 65.7%
  • Asian 3.7%
  • Hispanic 10.8%
  • Black 9.7%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Utica University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Utica University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Utica University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
47.4%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
72.5%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
25.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Utica University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Utica University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
47.4%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
72.5%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
25.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Utica University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Utica University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 68.7% ROI. Ranked #1123 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $19,108 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $57,422 median earnings. With 56.2% graduating within six years and 70.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Utica University's Positioning

With a B- grade and #1123 ranking, Utica University competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $19,108 annually, Utica University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,376 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The 68.7% ROI and $57,422 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,108+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Utica University ranks #1123 of 6119 institutions, with 1517 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 56.2% six-year graduation rate sits 6.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 70.7% first-year retention is 6.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 68.7% return on investment is 18.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $57,422 run about 31% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $19,108 is roughly $1,682 higher than the national median of $17,426.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 70.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 47.7% employment rate within three years sits 20.5 points below national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $19,108 is about $1,682 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Utica, NY, Utica University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1123 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (B).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Expect about 56.2% of students to graduate within six years. The reported ROI is 68.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $19,108 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,205.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,097 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $17,538 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

Pell Grant participation data is not reported.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $57,422 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 31% higher.

The three-year employment rate is close to 47.7%.

EDsmart lists the ROI at 68.7%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

92.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Utica University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
1.75 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Utica University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
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Visit Utica University Website →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Utica University's acceptance rate?

Utica University's acceptance rate is 92.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Utica University cost?

At Utica University, the average net price after aid is $19,108. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Utica University's ranking?

Utica University ranks #1123 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Utica University's graduation rate?

At Utica University, the six-year graduation rate is 56.2%.

What are Utica University's job outcomes?

Graduates of Utica University report median earnings of $57,422 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
  • Endowment$34.8M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate5.5%

Data Source & Methodology