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Smith Chason College vs Woodbury University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Los Angeles CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Burbank CA

The verdict

Smith Chason College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $68,734 in 7.1 years versus 7.8 years at Woodbury University, on median earnings of $58,004 vs $65,668 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSmith Chason CollegeWoodbury University
Net price / yr$34,367$33,692
Total net cost$68,734$134,768
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,004$65,668
Median debt$21,397$26,960
Payback7.1 yrs7.8 yrs
20-year net return$124,146$211,392

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

Which is cheaper, Smith Chason College or Woodbury University?

Woodbury University, at $33,692 a year after aid versus $34,367 — a gap of $675 a year, or $66,034 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Smith Chason College or Woodbury University graduates earn more?

Woodbury University graduates report a median $65,668 ten years after entry, $7,664 more than the $58,004 at Smith Chason 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 leaves students with less debt, Smith Chason College or Woodbury University?

Smith Chason College: its completers carry a median $21,397 in federal loans versus $26,960 at Woodbury University, a difference of $5,563. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at Smith Chason College, against 60% at Woodbury 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.

Smith Chason College vs Woodbury University: frequently asked questions

Is Smith Chason College or Woodbury University a better value?
Smith Chason College. It clears its $68,734 net cost in about 7.1 years versus 7.8 years at Woodbury University, on median earnings of $58,004 vs $65,668 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Smith Chason College or Woodbury University?
Woodbury University: $33,692/yr net price after aid versus $34,367/yr at Smith Chason College — a difference of $675 a year, or about $66,034 over four years.
Do Smith Chason College or Woodbury University graduates earn more?
Woodbury University graduates earn a median $65,668 ten years after entry, versus $58,004 at Smith Chason College — a $7,664 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.