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ECPI University vs American National University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Virginia Beach VA · vs · Private for-profit, Salem VA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but ECPI University comes closer — median earnings $42,837 against a $45,930 total, vs $26,370 at American National University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureECPI UniversityAmerican National University
Net price / yr$22,965$18,036
Total net cost$45,930$36,072
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,837$26,370
Median debt$20,000$12,814
Payback
20-year net return-$156,390-$475,872

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

Which is cheaper, ECPI University or American National University?

American National University, at $18,036 a year after aid versus $22,965 — a gap of $4,929 a year, or $9,858 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do ECPI University or American National University graduates earn more?

ECPI University graduates report a median $42,837 ten years after entry, $16,467 more than the $26,370 at American National 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, ECPI University or American National University?

American National University: its completers carry a median $12,814 in federal loans versus $20,000 at ECPI University, a difference of $7,186. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

42% of students finish at ECPI University, against 33% at American National 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.

ECPI University vs American National University: frequently asked questions

Is ECPI University or American National University a better value?
ECPI 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, ECPI University or American National University?
American National University: $18,036/yr net price after aid versus $22,965/yr at ECPI University — a difference of $4,929 a year, or about $9,858 over four years.
Do ECPI University or American National University graduates earn more?
ECPI University graduates earn a median $42,837 ten years after entry, versus $26,370 at American National University — a $16,467 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.