Degree Dividend
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Auburn University at Montgomery vs Oakwood University: which has better ROI?

Public, Montgomery AL · vs · Private nonprofit, Huntsville AL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Auburn University at Montgomery comes closer — median earnings $44,391 against a $52,896 total, vs $42,488 at Oakwood University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAuburn University at MontgomeryOakwood University
Net price / yr$13,224$25,669
Total net cost$52,896$102,676
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,391$42,488
Median debt$25,000$27,000
Payback
20-year net return-$132,276-$220,116

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

Which is cheaper, Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University?

Auburn University at Montgomery, at $13,224 a year after aid versus $25,669 — a gap of $12,445 a year, or $49,780 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University graduates earn more?

Auburn University at Montgomery graduates report a median $44,391 ten years after entry, $1,903 more than the $42,488 at Oakwood 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, Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University?

Auburn University at Montgomery: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Oakwood University, 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?

45% of students finish at Oakwood University, against 33% at Auburn University at Montgomery. 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.

Auburn University at Montgomery vs Oakwood University: frequently asked questions

Is Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University a better value?
Auburn University at Montgomery 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, Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University?
Auburn University at Montgomery: $13,224/yr net price after aid versus $25,669/yr at Oakwood University — a difference of $12,445 a year, or about $49,780 over four years.
Do Auburn University at Montgomery or Oakwood University graduates earn more?
Auburn University at Montgomery graduates earn a median $44,391 ten years after entry, versus $42,488 at Oakwood University — a $1,903 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.