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Illinois Institute of Technology vs University of St Francis: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Chicago IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Joliet IL

The verdict

Illinois Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,700 in 2.2 years versus 3.3 years at University of St Francis, on median earnings of $82,592 vs $63,926 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureIllinois Institute of TechnologyUniversity of St Francis
Net price / yr$18,425$13,006
Total net cost$73,700$52,024
Median earnings, 10 yrs$82,592$63,926
Median debt$25,000$21,079
Payback2.2 yrs3.3 yrs
20-year net return$610,940$259,296

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

Which is cheaper, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of St Francis?

University of St Francis, at $13,006 a year after aid versus $18,425 — a gap of $5,419 a year, or $21,676 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 Institute of Technology or University of St Francis graduates earn more?

Illinois Institute of Technology graduates report a median $82,592 ten years after entry, $18,666 more than the $63,926 at University of St Francis. 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 Institute of Technology or University of St Francis?

University of St Francis: its completers carry a median $21,079 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Illinois Institute of Technology, a difference of $3,921. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

75% of students finish at Illinois Institute of Technology, against 67% at University of St Francis. 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.

Illinois Institute of Technology vs University of St Francis: frequently asked questions

Is Illinois Institute of Technology or University of St Francis a better value?
Illinois Institute of Technology. It clears its $73,700 net cost in about 2.2 years versus 3.3 years at University of St Francis, on median earnings of $82,592 vs $63,926 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of St Francis?
University of St Francis: $13,006/yr net price after aid versus $18,425/yr at Illinois Institute of Technology — a difference of $5,419 a year, or about $21,676 over four years.
Do Illinois Institute of Technology or University of St Francis graduates earn more?
Illinois Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $82,592 ten years after entry, versus $63,926 at University of St Francis — a $18,666 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.