Degree Dividend
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Post University vs American Institute-West Hartford: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Waterbury CT · vs · Private for-profit, West Hartford CT

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Post University comes closer — median earnings $38,696 against a $86,536 total, vs $28,710 at American Institute-West Hartford. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePost UniversityAmerican Institute-West Hartford
Net price / yr$21,634$19,316
Total net cost$86,536$77,264
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,696$28,710
Median debt$30,157$11,979
Payback
20-year net return-$279,816-$470,264

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

Which is cheaper, Post University or American Institute-West Hartford?

American Institute-West Hartford, at $19,316 a year after aid versus $21,634 — a gap of $2,318 a year, or $9,272 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Post University or American Institute-West Hartford graduates earn more?

Post University graduates report a median $38,696 ten years after entry, $9,986 more than the $28,710 at American Institute-West Hartford. 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, Post University or American Institute-West Hartford?

American Institute-West Hartford: its completers carry a median $11,979 in federal loans versus $30,157 at Post University, a difference of $18,178. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at American Institute-West Hartford, against 25% at Post 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.

Post University vs American Institute-West Hartford: frequently asked questions

Is Post University or American Institute-West Hartford a better value?
Post University 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, Post University or American Institute-West Hartford?
American Institute-West Hartford: $19,316/yr net price after aid versus $21,634/yr at Post University — a difference of $2,318 a year, or about $9,272 over four years.
Do Post University or American Institute-West Hartford graduates earn more?
Post University graduates earn a median $38,696 ten years after entry, versus $28,710 at American Institute-West Hartford — a $9,986 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.