Salem State University vs National Aviation Academy of New England: which has better ROI?
Salem State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,984 in 7.7 years versus 10.5 years at National Aviation Academy of New England, on median earnings of $56,662 vs $59,009 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Salem State University | National Aviation Academy of New England |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,996 | $27,871 |
| Total net cost | $63,984 | $111,484 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,662 | $59,009 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $21,198 |
| Payback | 7.7 yrs | 10.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $102,056 | $101,496 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Salem State University or National Aviation Academy of New England?
Salem State University, at $15,996 a year after aid versus $27,871 — a gap of $11,875 a year, or $47,500 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Salem State University or National Aviation Academy of New England graduates earn more?
National Aviation Academy of New England graduates report a median $59,009 ten years after entry, $2,347 more than the $56,662 at Salem State 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, Salem State University or National Aviation Academy of New England?
National Aviation Academy of New England: its completers carry a median $21,198 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Salem State University, a difference of $3,802. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at National Aviation Academy of New England, against 50% at Salem State 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.