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Florida Southern College vs Stetson University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lakeland FL · vs · Private nonprofit, DeLand FL

The verdict

Florida Southern College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,204 in 16.5 years versus 23.6 years at Stetson University, on median earnings of $55,294 vs $51,642 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFlorida Southern CollegeStetson University
Net price / yr$28,551$19,372
Total net cost$114,204$77,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,294$51,642
Median debt$25,000$23,250
Payback16.5 yrs23.6 yrs
20-year net return$24,476-$11,848

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

Which is cheaper, Florida Southern College or Stetson University?

Stetson University, at $19,372 a year after aid versus $28,551 — a gap of $9,179 a year, or $36,716 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 Southern College or Stetson University graduates earn more?

Florida Southern College graduates report a median $55,294 ten years after entry, $3,652 more than the $51,642 at Stetson 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 Southern College or Stetson University?

Stetson University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Florida Southern College, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Florida Southern College, against 62% at Stetson 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.

Florida Southern College vs Stetson University: frequently asked questions

Is Florida Southern College or Stetson University a better value?
Florida Southern College. It clears its $114,204 net cost in about 16.5 years versus 23.6 years at Stetson University, on median earnings of $55,294 vs $51,642 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Florida Southern College or Stetson University?
Stetson University: $19,372/yr net price after aid versus $28,551/yr at Florida Southern College — a difference of $9,179 a year, or about $36,716 over four years.
Do Florida Southern College or Stetson University graduates earn more?
Florida Southern College graduates earn a median $55,294 ten years after entry, versus $51,642 at Stetson University — a $3,652 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.