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Fitchburg State University vs National Aviation Academy of New England: which has better ROI?

Public, Fitchburg MA · vs · Private for-profit, Concord MA

The verdict

Fitchburg State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,048 in 10.3 years versus 10.5 years at National Aviation Academy of New England, on median earnings of $53,874 vs $59,009 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFitchburg State UniversityNational Aviation Academy of New England
Net price / yr$14,262$27,871
Total net cost$57,048$111,484
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,874$59,009
Median debt$24,239$21,198
Payback10.3 yrs10.5 yrs
20-year net return$53,232$101,496

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

Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England?

Fitchburg State University, at $14,262 a year after aid versus $27,871 — a gap of $13,609 a year, or $54,436 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England graduates earn more?

National Aviation Academy of New England graduates report a median $59,009 ten years after entry, $5,135 more than the $53,874 at Fitchburg State 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, Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England?

National Aviation Academy of New England: its completers carry a median $21,198 in federal loans versus $24,239 at Fitchburg State University, a difference of $3,041. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

75% of students finish at National Aviation Academy of New England, against 55% at Fitchburg State 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.

Fitchburg State University vs National Aviation Academy of New England: frequently asked questions

Is Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England a better value?
Fitchburg State University. It clears its $57,048 net cost in about 10.3 years versus 10.5 years at National Aviation Academy of New England, on median earnings of $53,874 vs $59,009 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England?
Fitchburg State University: $14,262/yr net price after aid versus $27,871/yr at National Aviation Academy of New England — a difference of $13,609 a year, or about $54,436 over four years.
Do Fitchburg State University or National Aviation Academy of New England graduates earn more?
National Aviation Academy of New England graduates earn a median $59,009 ten years after entry, versus $53,874 at Fitchburg State University — a $5,135 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.