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Rochester Institute of Technology vs Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Rochester NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Flushing NY

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $79,972 in 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at Rochester Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $64,973 vs $76,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRochester Institute of TechnologyVaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Net price / yr$34,906$39,986
Total net cost$139,624$79,972
Median earnings, 10 yrs$76,571$64,973
Median debt$26,778$21,125
Payback4.9 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$424,596$252,288

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

Which is cheaper, Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

Rochester Institute of Technology, at $34,906 a year after aid versus $39,986 — a gap of $5,080 a year, or $59,652 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn more?

Rochester Institute of Technology graduates report a median $76,571 ten years after entry, $11,598 more than the $64,973 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and 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, Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology: its completers carry a median $21,125 in federal loans versus $26,778 at Rochester Institute of Technology, a difference of $5,653. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at Rochester Institute of Technology, against 39% at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and 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.

Rochester Institute of Technology vs Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology a better value?
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. It clears its $79,972 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at Rochester Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $64,973 vs $76,571 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Rochester Institute of Technology: $34,906/yr net price after aid versus $39,986/yr at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology — a difference of $5,080 a year, or about $59,652 over four years.
Do Rochester Institute of Technology or Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn more?
Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $76,571 ten years after entry, versus $64,973 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology — a $11,598 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.