Shelton State Community College vs Auburn University at Montgomery: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Auburn University at Montgomery comes closer — median earnings $44,391 against a $52,896 total, vs $35,014 at Shelton State Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Shelton State Community College | Auburn University at Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,557 | $13,224 |
| Total net cost | $58,228 | $52,896 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $35,014 | $44,391 |
| Median debt | — | $25,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$325,148 | -$132,276 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Shelton State Community College or Auburn University at Montgomery?
Auburn University at Montgomery, at $13,224 a year after aid versus $14,557 — a gap of $1,333 a year, or $5,332 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Shelton State Community College or Auburn University at Montgomery graduates earn more?
Auburn University at Montgomery graduates report a median $44,391 ten years after entry, $9,377 more than the $35,014 at Shelton State Community College. 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 graduates more of its students?
33% of students finish at Auburn University at Montgomery, against 30% at Shelton State Community 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.