St Lawrence University vs Syracuse University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for St Lawrence University and Syracuse University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
St Lawrence University vs Syracuse University at a glance
St Lawrence University admits 54.3% of applicants and Syracuse University 45.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $31,355 at St Lawrence University and $43,336 at Syracuse University. Six-year graduation rates are 78.6% and 80.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- St Lawrence University admits 54.3% of applicants and Syracuse University 45.9%, so Syracuse University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $31,355 a year at St Lawrence University and $43,336 at Syracuse University; St Lawrence University costs $11,981 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,226 at St Lawrence University and $21,872 at Syracuse University.
- 78.6% of students graduate within six years at St Lawrence University, against 80.5% at Syracuse University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,500 for St Lawrence University and $85,054 for Syracuse University; Syracuse University is $10,554 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $26,000 at St Lawrence University and $21,500 at Syracuse University.
- St Lawrence University enrolls 1,918 students (remote town) and Syracuse University 15,477 (midsize city).
Side by side
St Lawrence University and Syracuse University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | St Lawrence University | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 54.3% | 45.9% |
| Applicants | 5,217 | 39,682 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1255–1420 | 1270–1440 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–33 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $31,355 | $43,336 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,890 | $68,429 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,890 | $68,429 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,550 | $87,852 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,226 | $21,872 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,224 | $21,339 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,762 | $25,499 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,162 | $33,983 |
| Over $110,000 | $42,999 | $60,127 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.6% | 80.5% |
| First-year retention | 90.8% | 90.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,500 | $85,054 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $26,000 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $295 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 1,918 | 15,477 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Town: Remote | City: Midsize |
| Location | Canton, NY | Syracuse, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
St Lawrence University reports 38 bachelor's programs and Syracuse University 83; 30 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about St Lawrence University vs Syracuse University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into St Lawrence University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: St Lawrence University admits 54.3% of applicants and Syracuse University admits 45.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: St Lawrence University 1255–1420; Syracuse University 1270–1440.
Which is cheaper, St Lawrence University or Syracuse University?
St Lawrence University has the lower average net price after grants: $31,355 a year at St Lawrence University against $43,336 at Syracuse University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,226 and $21,872. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do St Lawrence University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn more at the median: $74,500 ten years after entry for St Lawrence University and $85,054 for Syracuse University. Median federal debt at graduation is $26,000 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, St Lawrence University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University does: 78.6% of St Lawrence University students graduate within six years, against 80.5% at Syracuse University.
How big are St Lawrence University and Syracuse University?
St Lawrence University has 1,918 students in Canton, NY and Syracuse University has 15,477 students in Syracuse, NY.