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East Texas A&M University vs Southwestern Adventist University: which has better ROI?

Public, Commerce TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Keene TX

The verdict

Southwestern Adventist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,112 in 19.9 years versus 24.5 years at East Texas A&M University, on median earnings of $52,946 vs $50,296 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEast Texas A&M UniversitySouthwestern Adventist University
Net price / yr$11,841$22,778
Total net cost$47,364$91,112
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,296$52,946
Median debt$20,500$26,998
Payback24.5 yrs19.9 yrs
20-year net return-$8,644$608

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

Which is cheaper, East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University?

East Texas A&M University, at $11,841 a year after aid versus $22,778 — a gap of $10,937 a year, or $43,748 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University graduates earn more?

Southwestern Adventist University graduates report a median $52,946 ten years after entry, $2,650 more than the $50,296 at East Texas A&M 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, East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University?

East Texas A&M University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $26,998 at Southwestern Adventist University, a difference of $6,498. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Southwestern Adventist University, against 43% at East Texas A&M 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.

East Texas A&M University vs Southwestern Adventist University: frequently asked questions

Is East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University a better value?
Southwestern Adventist University. It clears its $91,112 net cost in about 19.9 years versus 24.5 years at East Texas A&M University, on median earnings of $52,946 vs $50,296 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University?
East Texas A&M University: $11,841/yr net price after aid versus $22,778/yr at Southwestern Adventist University — a difference of $10,937 a year, or about $43,748 over four years.
Do East Texas A&M University or Southwestern Adventist University graduates earn more?
Southwestern Adventist University graduates earn a median $52,946 ten years after entry, versus $50,296 at East Texas A&M University — a $2,650 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.