Plaza College vs. Excelsior University

Comparable Facts

Compare Plaza College in Forest Hills, NY with Excelsior University in Albany, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Excelsior University is larger than Plaza College based on total student enrollment (12,941 students vs. 1,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Plaza College is located in Forest Hills, NY (Large City setting); Excelsior University is in Albany, NY (Small City setting).
• Plaza College is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Excelsior University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Plaza College 28:1; Excelsior University 21:1.

Plaza College vs. Excelsior University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Plaza College or Excelsior University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Plaza College and Excelsior University ($15,450.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Plaza College and Excelsior University ($15,450.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Plaza College than at Excelsior University (93% vs. 0%).

Plaza College vs. Excelsior University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Plaza College or Excelsior University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Excelsior University and Plaza College.

• Excelsior University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Plaza College - Test-free; Excelsior University - Open admission.

Plaza College vs. Excelsior University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Plaza College and Excelsior University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have a $3,045 lower median loan debt than Plaza College graduates ($10,870 vs. $13,915).
• Among borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Plaza College graduates ($112 vs. $143).
• More Excelsior University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Plaza College students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 30%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.