Butler University vs Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses: which has better ROI?
Butler University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,164 in 5 years versus 7.2 years at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, on median earnings of $77,235 vs $57,165 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Butler University | Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,041 | $15,788 |
| Total net cost | $144,164 | $63,152 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $77,235 | $57,165 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $433,336 | $112,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Butler University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses, at $15,788 a year after aid versus $36,041 — a gap of $20,253 a year, or $81,012 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Butler University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses graduates earn more?
Butler University graduates report a median $77,235 ten years after entry, $20,070 more than the $57,165 at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. 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, Butler University or Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses?
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Butler University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at Butler University, against 0% at Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses. 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.