Degree Dividend
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Anderson University vs Manchester University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Anderson IN · vs · Private nonprofit, North Manchester IN

The verdict

Manchester University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,220 in 23.9 years versus 185.7 years at Anderson University, on median earnings of $51,504 vs $48,899 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAnderson UniversityManchester University
Net price / yr$25,021$18,805
Total net cost$100,084$75,220
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,899$51,504
Median debt$27,000$26,854
Payback185.7 yrs23.9 yrs
20-year net return-$89,304-$12,340

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

Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Manchester University?

Manchester University, at $18,805 a year after aid versus $25,021 — a gap of $6,216 a year, or $24,864 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Anderson University or Manchester University graduates earn more?

Manchester University graduates report a median $51,504 ten years after entry, $2,605 more than the $48,899 at Anderson 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 leaves students with less debt, Anderson University or Manchester University?

Manchester University: its completers carry a median $26,854 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Anderson University, a difference of $146. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Anderson University, against 46% at Manchester 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.

Anderson University vs Manchester University: frequently asked questions

Is Anderson University or Manchester University a better value?
Manchester University. It clears its $75,220 net cost in about 23.9 years versus 185.7 years at Anderson University, on median earnings of $51,504 vs $48,899 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Manchester University?
Manchester University: $18,805/yr net price after aid versus $25,021/yr at Anderson University — a difference of $6,216 a year, or about $24,864 over four years.
Do Anderson University or Manchester University graduates earn more?
Manchester University graduates earn a median $51,504 ten years after entry, versus $48,899 at Anderson University — a $2,605 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.