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Austin Community College District vs Saint Edward's University: which has better ROI?

Public, Austin TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Austin TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Saint Edward's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,312 in 9.8 years versus not at all at Austin Community College District, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $43,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAustin Community College DistrictSaint Edward's University
Net price / yr$6,390$25,578
Total net cost$12,780$102,312
Median earnings, 10 yrs$43,177$58,826
Median debt$10,499$24,803
Payback—9.8 yrs
20-year net return-$116,440$107,008

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

Which is cheaper, Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University?

Austin Community College District, at $6,390 a year after aid versus $25,578 — a gap of $19,188 a year, or $89,532 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?

Saint Edward's University graduates report a median $58,826 ten years after entry, $15,649 more than the $43,177 at Austin Community College District. 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, Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University?

Austin Community College District: its completers carry a median $10,499 in federal loans versus $24,803 at Saint Edward's University, a difference of $14,304. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at Saint Edward's University, against 20% at Austin Community College District. 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.

Austin Community College District vs Saint Edward's University: frequently asked questions

Is Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University a better value?
Saint Edward's University. It clears its $102,312 net cost in about 9.8 years versus no clear payback at Austin Community College District, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $43,177 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University?
Austin Community College District: $6,390/yr net price after aid versus $25,578/yr at Saint Edward's University — a difference of $19,188 a year, or about $89,532 over four years.
Do Austin Community College District or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?
Saint Edward's University graduates earn a median $58,826 ten years after entry, versus $43,177 at Austin Community College District — a $15,649 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.