Collin County Community College District vs Stephen F Austin State University: which has better ROI?
Stephen F Austin State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,040 in 44.8 years versus 52.6 years at Collin County Community College District, on median earnings of $49,634 vs $48,701 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Collin County Community College District | Stephen F Austin State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,969 | $14,260 |
| Total net cost | $17,938 | $57,040 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,701 | $49,634 |
| Median debt | $7,500 | $23,409 |
| Payback | 52.6 yrs | 44.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$11,118 | -$31,560 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Collin County Community College District or Stephen F Austin State University?
Collin County Community College District, at $8,969 a year after aid versus $14,260 — a gap of $5,291 a year, or $39,102 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Collin County Community College District or Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn more?
Stephen F Austin State University graduates report a median $49,634 ten years after entry, $933 more than the $48,701 at Collin County 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, Collin County Community College District or Stephen F Austin State University?
Collin County Community College District: its completers carry a median $7,500 in federal loans versus $23,409 at Stephen F Austin State University, a difference of $15,909. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Stephen F Austin State University, against 20% at Collin County 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.