Pillar College vs American Institute-Toms River: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Pillar College comes closer — median earnings $45,577 against a $33,880 total, vs $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pillar College | American Institute-Toms River |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,470 | $19,781 |
| Total net cost | $33,880 | $79,124 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,577 | $28,710 |
| Median debt | $21,483 | $11,979 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$89,540 | -$472,124 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pillar College or American Institute-Toms River?
Pillar College, at $8,470 a year after aid versus $19,781 — a gap of $11,311 a year, or $45,244 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Pillar College or American Institute-Toms River graduates earn more?
Pillar College graduates report a median $45,577 ten years after entry, $16,867 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, Pillar College or American Institute-Toms River?
American Institute-Toms River: its completers carry a median $11,979 in federal loans versus $21,483 at Pillar College, a difference of $9,504. 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 38% at Pillar 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.