Northern Arizona University vs University of Advancing Technology: which has better ROI?
Northern Arizona University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,632 in 9.4 years versus 24.2 years at University of Advancing Technology, on median earnings of $54,384 vs $50,719 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Arizona University | University of Advancing Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,158 | $28,522 |
| Total net cost | $56,632 | $57,044 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,384 | $50,719 |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $28,812 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | 24.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $63,848 | -$9,864 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Arizona University or University of Advancing Technology?
Northern Arizona University, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $28,522 — a gap of $14,364 a year, or $412 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northern Arizona University or University of Advancing Technology graduates earn more?
Northern Arizona University graduates report a median $54,384 ten years after entry, $3,665 more than the $50,719 at University of Advancing Technology. 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, Northern Arizona University or University of Advancing Technology?
Northern Arizona University: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $28,812 at University of Advancing Technology, a difference of $9,812. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at Northern Arizona University, against 35% at University of Advancing Technology. 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.