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American International College vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Springfield MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Chicopee MA

The verdict

American International College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,096 in 19.5 years versus 22.1 years at College of Our Lady of the Elms, on median earnings of $53,124 vs $51,540 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican International CollegeCollege of Our Lady of the Elms
Net price / yr$23,274$17,545
Total net cost$93,096$70,180
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,124$51,540
Median debt$27,000$25,000
Payback19.5 yrs22.1 yrs
20-year net return$2,184-$6,580

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms?

College of Our Lady of the Elms, at $17,545 a year after aid versus $23,274 — a gap of $5,729 a year, or $22,916 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn more?

American International College graduates report a median $53,124 ten years after entry, $1,584 more than the $51,540 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms?

College of Our Lady of the Elms: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at American International College, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at College of Our Lady of the Elms, against 46% at American International College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

American International College vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: frequently asked questions

Is American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms a better value?
American International College. It clears its $93,096 net cost in about 19.5 years versus 22.1 years at College of Our Lady of the Elms, on median earnings of $53,124 vs $51,540 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms: $17,545/yr net price after aid versus $23,274/yr at American International College — a difference of $5,729 a year, or about $22,916 over four years.
Do American International College or College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn more?
American International College graduates earn a median $53,124 ten years after entry, versus $51,540 at College of Our Lady of the Elms — a $1,584 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.