Barry University vs National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: which has better ROI?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $109,904 in 10.3 years versus 11.9 years at Barry University, on median earnings of $59,029 vs $55,966 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Barry University | National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,613 | $27,476 |
| Total net cost | $90,452 | $109,904 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,966 | $59,029 |
| Median debt | $26,997 | $22,000 |
| Payback | 11.9 yrs | 10.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $61,668 | $103,476 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Barry University or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?
Barry University, at $22,613 a year after aid versus $27,476 — a gap of $4,863 a year, or $19,452 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Barry University or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates earn more?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates report a median $59,029 ten years after entry, $3,063 more than the $55,966 at Barry 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, Barry University or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $26,997 at Barry University, a difference of $4,997. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, against 38% at Barry 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.