Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology vs Southwest Technology Center: which has better ROI?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $59,552 in 37.6 years versus 94.5 years at Southwest Technology Center, on median earnings of $49,944 vs $48,966 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology | Southwest Technology Center |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,776 | $14,313 |
| Total net cost | $59,552 | $57,252 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,944 | $48,966 |
| Median debt | $16,750 | — |
| Payback | 37.6 yrs | 94.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$27,872 | -$45,132 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology or Southwest Technology Center?
Southwest Technology Center, at $14,313 a year after aid versus $29,776 — a gap of $15,463 a year, or $2,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology or Southwest Technology Center graduates earn more?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates report a median $49,944 ten years after entry, $978 more than the $48,966 at Southwest Technology Center. 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?
78% of students finish at Southwest Technology Center, against 51% at Spartan 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.