Degree Dividend
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Manchester Community College vs Franklin Pierce University: which has better ROI?

Public, Manchester NH · vs · Private nonprofit, Rindge NH

The verdict

Franklin Pierce University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,616 in 21.8 years versus 40.2 years at Manchester Community College, on median earnings of $53,353 vs $49,063 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureManchester Community CollegeFranklin Pierce University
Net price / yr$14,143$27,154
Total net cost$28,286$108,616
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,063$53,353
Median debt$15,060$27,000
Payback40.2 yrs21.8 yrs
20-year net return-$14,226-$8,756

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

Which is cheaper, Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University?

Manchester Community College, at $14,143 a year after aid versus $27,154 — a gap of $13,011 a year, or $80,330 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University graduates earn more?

Franklin Pierce University graduates report a median $53,353 ten years after entry, $4,290 more than the $49,063 at Manchester Community 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, Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University?

Manchester Community College: its completers carry a median $15,060 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Franklin Pierce University, a difference of $11,940. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Franklin Pierce University, against 41% at Manchester Community College. 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.

Manchester Community College vs Franklin Pierce University: frequently asked questions

Is Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University a better value?
Franklin Pierce University. It clears its $108,616 net cost in about 21.8 years versus 40.2 years at Manchester Community College, on median earnings of $53,353 vs $49,063 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University?
Manchester Community College: $14,143/yr net price after aid versus $27,154/yr at Franklin Pierce University — a difference of $13,011 a year, or about $80,330 over four years.
Do Manchester Community College or Franklin Pierce University graduates earn more?
Franklin Pierce University graduates earn a median $53,353 ten years after entry, versus $49,063 at Manchester Community College — a $4,290 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.