Palm Beach Atlantic University vs Stetson University: which has better ROI?
Stetson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,488 in 23.6 years versus 130.1 years at Palm Beach Atlantic University, on median earnings of $51,642 vs $49,232 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Palm Beach Atlantic University | Stetson University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,354 | $19,372 |
| Total net cost | $113,416 | $77,488 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,232 | $51,642 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 130.1 yrs | 23.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$95,976 | -$11,848 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Stetson University?
Stetson University, at $19,372 a year after aid versus $28,354 — a gap of $8,982 a year, or $35,928 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Palm Beach Atlantic University or Stetson University graduates earn more?
Stetson University graduates report a median $51,642 ten years after entry, $2,410 more than the $49,232 at Palm Beach Atlantic 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, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Stetson University?
Palm Beach Atlantic University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Stetson University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Stetson University, against 55% at Palm Beach Atlantic 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.