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Ocean County College vs American Institute-Toms River: which has better ROI?

Public, Toms River NJ · vs · Private for-profit, Toms River NJ

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Ocean County College comes closer — median earnings $45,210 against a $22,822 total, vs $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOcean County CollegeAmerican Institute-Toms River
Net price / yr$11,411$19,781
Total net cost$22,822$79,124
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,210$28,710
Median debt$11,150$11,979
Payback
20-year net return-$85,822-$472,124

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

Which is cheaper, Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River?

Ocean County College, at $11,411 a year after aid versus $19,781 — a gap of $8,370 a year, or $56,302 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River graduates earn more?

Ocean County College graduates report a median $45,210 ten years after entry, $16,500 more than the $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River. 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, Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River?

Ocean County College: its completers carry a median $11,150 in federal loans versus $11,979 at American Institute-Toms River, a difference of $829. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at American Institute-Toms River, against 42% at Ocean County 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.

Ocean County College vs American Institute-Toms River: frequently asked questions

Is Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River a better value?
Ocean County College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River?
Ocean County College: $11,411/yr net price after aid versus $19,781/yr at American Institute-Toms River — a difference of $8,370 a year, or about $56,302 over four years.
Do Ocean County College or American Institute-Toms River graduates earn more?
Ocean County College graduates earn a median $45,210 ten years after entry, versus $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River — a $16,500 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.