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Millikin University vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Decatur IL · vs · Private for-profit, Chicago IL

The verdict

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $109,388 in 22 years versus 30.3 years at Millikin University, on median earnings of $53,341 vs $51,262 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMillikin UniversityAviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago
Net price / yr$21,989$27,347
Total net cost$87,956$109,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,262$53,341
Median debt$27,000$31,301
Payback30.3 yrs22 yrs
20-year net return-$29,916-$9,768

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

Which is cheaper, Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?

Millikin University, at $21,989 a year after aid versus $27,347 — a gap of $5,358 a year, or $21,432 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn more?

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates report a median $53,341 ten years after entry, $2,079 more than the $51,262 at Millikin 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, Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?

Millikin University: its completers carry a median $27,000 in federal loans versus $31,301 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, a difference of $4,301. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Millikin University vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago: frequently asked questions

Is Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago a better value?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago. It clears its $109,388 net cost in about 22 years versus 30.3 years at Millikin University, on median earnings of $53,341 vs $51,262 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago?
Millikin University: $21,989/yr net price after aid versus $27,347/yr at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago — a difference of $5,358 a year, or about $21,432 over four years.
Do Millikin University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago graduates earn a median $53,341 ten years after entry, versus $51,262 at Millikin University — a $2,079 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.