Degree Dividend
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American National University vs Eastern Shore Community College: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Salem VA · vs · Public, Melfa VA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Eastern Shore Community College comes closer — median earnings $32,418 against a $9,980 total, vs $26,370 at American National University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican National UniversityEastern Shore Community College
Net price / yr$18,036$2,495
Total net cost$36,072$9,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$26,370$32,418
Median debt$12,814
Payback
20-year net return-$475,872-$328,820

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

Which is cheaper, American National University or Eastern Shore Community College?

Eastern Shore Community College, at $2,495 a year after aid versus $18,036 — a gap of $15,541 a year, or $26,092 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 National University or Eastern Shore Community College graduates earn more?

Eastern Shore Community College graduates report a median $32,418 ten years after entry, $6,048 more than the $26,370 at American National University. 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 graduates more of its students?

41% of students finish at Eastern Shore Community College, against 33% at American National University. 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 National University vs Eastern Shore Community College: frequently asked questions

Is American National University or Eastern Shore Community College a better value?
Eastern Shore Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, American National University or Eastern Shore Community College?
Eastern Shore Community College: $2,495/yr net price after aid versus $18,036/yr at American National University — a difference of $15,541 a year, or about $26,092 over four years.
Do American National University or Eastern Shore Community College graduates earn more?
Eastern Shore Community College graduates earn a median $32,418 ten years after entry, versus $26,370 at American National University — a $6,048 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.