Illinois College vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago: which has better ROI?
Illinois College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,192 in 17.4 years versus 22 years at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, on median earnings of $52,575 vs $53,341 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Illinois College | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,298 | $27,347 |
| Total net cost | $73,192 | $109,388 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,575 | $53,341 |
| Median debt | $25,565 | $31,301 |
| Payback | 17.4 yrs | 22 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $11,108 | -$9,768 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Illinois College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?
Illinois College, at $18,298 a year after aid versus $27,347 — a gap of $9,049 a year, or $36,196 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Illinois College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates report a median $53,341 ten years after entry, $766 more than the $52,575 at Illinois 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, Illinois College or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?
Illinois College: its completers carry a median $25,565 in federal loans versus $31,301 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, a difference of $5,736. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.