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National University vs University of Redlands: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Diego CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Redlands CA

The verdict

National University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,512 in 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at University of Redlands, on median earnings of $67,548 vs $72,690 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNational UniversityUniversity of Redlands
Net price / yr$22,878$30,031
Total net cost$91,512$120,124
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,548$72,690
Median debt$25,000$26,000
Payback4.8 yrs4.9 yrs
20-year net return$292,248$366,476

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

Which is cheaper, National University or University of Redlands?

National University, at $22,878 a year after aid versus $30,031 — a gap of $7,153 a year, or $28,612 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do National University or University of Redlands graduates earn more?

University of Redlands graduates report a median $72,690 ten years after entry, $5,142 more than the $67,548 at National 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, National University or University of Redlands?

National University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at University of Redlands, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of Redlands, against 43% at National 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.

National University vs University of Redlands: frequently asked questions

Is National University or University of Redlands a better value?
National University. It clears its $91,512 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at University of Redlands, on median earnings of $67,548 vs $72,690 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, National University or University of Redlands?
National University: $22,878/yr net price after aid versus $30,031/yr at University of Redlands — a difference of $7,153 a year, or about $28,612 over four years.
Do National University or University of Redlands graduates earn more?
University of Redlands graduates earn a median $72,690 ten years after entry, versus $67,548 at National University — a $5,142 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.