Florida Gulf Coast University vs National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: which has better ROI?
Florida Gulf Coast University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,272 in 8.1 years versus 10.3 years at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, on median earnings of $54,560 vs $59,029 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Florida Gulf Coast University | National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,568 | $27,476 |
| Total net cost | $50,272 | $109,904 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,560 | $59,029 |
| Median debt | $17,622 | $22,000 |
| Payback | 8.1 yrs | 10.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $73,728 | $103,476 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Florida Gulf Coast University or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?
Florida Gulf Coast University, at $12,568 a year after aid versus $27,476 — a gap of $14,908 a year, or $59,632 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 National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates earn more?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates report a median $59,029 ten years after entry, $4,469 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 National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?
Florida Gulf Coast University: its completers carry a median $17,622 in federal loans versus $22,000 at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, a difference of $4,378. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, against 57% at Florida Gulf Coast 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.