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Florida Gulf Coast University vs Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology: which has better ROI?

Public, Fort Myers FL · vs · Private for-profit, Fort Pierce FL

The verdict

Florida Gulf Coast University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,272 in 8.1 years versus 9.1 years at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology, on median earnings of $54,560 vs $67,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityAviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology
Net price / yr$12,568$43,941
Total net cost$50,272$175,764
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,560$67,739
Median debt$17,622$16,979
Payback8.1 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$73,728$211,816

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

Which is cheaper, Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology?

Florida Gulf Coast University, at $12,568 a year after aid versus $43,941 — a gap of $31,373 a year, or $125,492 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology graduates earn more?

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology graduates report a median $67,739 ten years after entry, $13,179 more than the $54,560 at Florida Gulf Coast 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, Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology?

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology: its completers carry a median $16,979 in federal loans versus $17,622 at Florida Gulf Coast University, a difference of $643. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Florida Gulf Coast University vs Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology a better value?
Florida Gulf Coast University. It clears its $50,272 net cost in about 8.1 years versus 9.1 years at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology, on median earnings of $54,560 vs $67,739 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology?
Florida Gulf Coast University: $12,568/yr net price after aid versus $43,941/yr at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology — a difference of $31,373 a year, or about $125,492 over four years.
Do Florida Gulf Coast University or Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology graduates earn more?
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology graduates earn a median $67,739 ten years after entry, versus $54,560 at Florida Gulf Coast University — a $13,179 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.