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Millikin University vs ETI School of Skilled Trades: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

ETI School of Skilled Trades has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,504 in 19.9 years versus 30.3 years at Millikin University, on median earnings of $52,800 vs $51,262 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMillikin UniversityETI School of Skilled Trades
Net price / yr$21,989$22,126
Total net cost$87,956$88,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,262$52,800
Median debt$27,000$9,500
Payback30.3 yrs19.9 yrs
20-year net return-$29,916$296

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

Which is cheaper, Millikin University or ETI School of Skilled Trades?

Millikin University, at $21,989 a year after aid versus $22,126 — a gap of $137 a year, or $548 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 ETI School of Skilled Trades graduates earn more?

ETI School of Skilled Trades graduates report a median $52,800 ten years after entry, $1,538 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 ETI School of Skilled Trades?

ETI School of Skilled Trades: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Millikin University, a difference of $17,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at ETI School of Skilled Trades, against 55% at Millikin 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.

Millikin University vs ETI School of Skilled Trades: frequently asked questions

Is Millikin University or ETI School of Skilled Trades a better value?
ETI School of Skilled Trades. It clears its $88,504 net cost in about 19.9 years versus 30.3 years at Millikin University, on median earnings of $52,800 vs $51,262 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Millikin University or ETI School of Skilled Trades?
Millikin University: $21,989/yr net price after aid versus $22,126/yr at ETI School of Skilled Trades — a difference of $137 a year, or about $548 over four years.
Do Millikin University or ETI School of Skilled Trades graduates earn more?
ETI School of Skilled Trades graduates earn a median $52,800 ten years after entry, versus $51,262 at Millikin University — a $1,538 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.