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Flagler College vs Ave Maria University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Saint Augustine FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Ave Maria FL

The verdict

Ave Maria University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $99,440 in 85.7 years versus 108.7 years at Flagler College, on median earnings of $49,520 vs $49,483 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFlagler CollegeAve Maria University
Net price / yr$30,525$24,860
Total net cost$122,100$99,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,483$49,520
Median debt$24,250$20,776
Payback108.7 yrs85.7 yrs
20-year net return-$99,640-$76,240

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

Which is cheaper, Flagler College or Ave Maria University?

Ave Maria University, at $24,860 a year after aid versus $30,525 — a gap of $5,665 a year, or $22,660 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Flagler College or Ave Maria University graduates earn more?

Ave Maria University graduates report a median $49,520 ten years after entry, $37 more than the $49,483 at Flagler 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, Flagler College or Ave Maria University?

Ave Maria University: its completers carry a median $20,776 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Flagler College, a difference of $3,474. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Flagler College, against 54% at Ave Maria 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.

Flagler College vs Ave Maria University: frequently asked questions

Is Flagler College or Ave Maria University a better value?
Ave Maria University. It clears its $99,440 net cost in about 85.7 years versus 108.7 years at Flagler College, on median earnings of $49,520 vs $49,483 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Flagler College or Ave Maria University?
Ave Maria University: $24,860/yr net price after aid versus $30,525/yr at Flagler College — a difference of $5,665 a year, or about $22,660 over four years.
Do Flagler College or Ave Maria University graduates earn more?
Ave Maria University graduates earn a median $49,520 ten years after entry, versus $49,483 at Flagler College — a $37 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.