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Eureka College vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Eureka IL · vs · Private for-profit, Chicago IL

The verdict

Eureka College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,396 in 21.2 years versus 22 years at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, on median earnings of $51,641 vs $53,341 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEureka CollegeAviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago
Net price / yr$17,349$27,347
Total net cost$69,396$109,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,641$53,341
Median debt$23,250$31,301
Payback21.2 yrs22 yrs
20-year net return-$3,776-$9,768

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

Which is cheaper, Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?

Eureka College, at $17,349 a year after aid versus $27,347 — a gap of $9,998 a year, or $39,992 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn more?

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates report a median $53,341 ten years after entry, $1,700 more than the $51,641 at Eureka 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, Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?

Eureka College: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $31,301 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, a difference of $8,051. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Eureka College vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago: frequently asked questions

Is Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago a better value?
Eureka College. It clears its $69,396 net cost in about 21.2 years versus 22 years at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, on median earnings of $51,641 vs $53,341 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?
Eureka College: $17,349/yr net price after aid versus $27,347/yr at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago — a difference of $9,998 a year, or about $39,992 over four years.
Do Eureka College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn a median $53,341 ten years after entry, versus $51,641 at Eureka College — a $1,700 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.