Saint Francis University vs Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: which has better ROI?
Saint Francis University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,104 in 6.8 years versus 7.1 years at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, on median earnings of $62,101 vs $66,642 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Saint Francis University | Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,526 | $32,618 |
| Total net cost | $94,104 | $130,472 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,101 | $66,642 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $12,230 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 7.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $180,716 | $235,168 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?
Saint Francis University, at $23,526 a year after aid versus $32,618 — a gap of $9,092 a year, or $36,368 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates earn more?
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates report a median $66,642 ten years after entry, $4,541 more than the $62,101 at Saint Francis 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, Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: its completers carry a median $12,230 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Francis University, a difference of $14,770. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, against 74% at Saint Francis 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.