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Dillard University vs Ayers Career College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA · vs · Private for-profit, Shreveport LA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Dillard University comes closer — median earnings $39,196 against a $88,376 total, vs $29,935 at Ayers Career College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDillard UniversityAyers Career College
Net price / yr$22,094$18,439
Total net cost$88,376$73,756
Median earnings, 10 yrs$39,196$29,935
Median debt$31,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$271,656-$442,256

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

Which is cheaper, Dillard University or Ayers Career College?

Ayers Career College, at $18,439 a year after aid versus $22,094 — a gap of $3,655 a year, or $14,620 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Dillard University or Ayers Career College graduates earn more?

Dillard University graduates report a median $39,196 ten years after entry, $9,261 more than the $29,935 at Ayers Career College. 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, Dillard University or Ayers Career College?

Ayers Career College: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Dillard University, a difference of $21,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Ayers Career College, against 43% at Dillard 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.

Dillard University vs Ayers Career College: frequently asked questions

Is Dillard University or Ayers Career College a better value?
Dillard University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Dillard University or Ayers Career College?
Ayers Career College: $18,439/yr net price after aid versus $22,094/yr at Dillard University — a difference of $3,655 a year, or about $14,620 over four years.
Do Dillard University or Ayers Career College graduates earn more?
Dillard University graduates earn a median $39,196 ten years after entry, versus $29,935 at Ayers Career College — a $9,261 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.