Chapman University vs Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology: which has better ROI?
Chapman University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $186,220 in 8.6 years versus 10.1 years at Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology, on median earnings of $70,070 vs $61,575 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chapman University | Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $46,555 | $33,320 |
| Total net cost | $186,220 | $133,280 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $70,070 | $61,575 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 8.6 yrs | 10.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $247,980 | $131,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology, at $33,320 a year after aid versus $46,555 — a gap of $13,235 a year, or $52,940 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chapman University or Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology graduates earn more?
Chapman University graduates report a median $70,070 ten years after entry, $8,495 more than the $61,575 at Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology. 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, Chapman University or Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Chapman University, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Chapman University, against 64% at Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology. 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.