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Stanbridge University vs William Jessup University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Irvine CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Rocklin CA

The verdict

Stanbridge University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $181,488 in 13.2 years versus 14.2 years at William Jessup University, on median earnings of $62,144 vs $56,257 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureStanbridge UniversityWilliam Jessup University
Net price / yr$45,372$28,062
Total net cost$181,488$112,248
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,144$56,257
Median debt$20,000$23,700
Payback13.2 yrs14.2 yrs
20-year net return$94,192$45,692

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

Which is cheaper, Stanbridge University or William Jessup University?

William Jessup University, at $28,062 a year after aid versus $45,372 — a gap of $17,310 a year, or $69,240 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Stanbridge University or William Jessup University graduates earn more?

Stanbridge University graduates report a median $62,144 ten years after entry, $5,887 more than the $56,257 at William Jessup 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, Stanbridge University or William Jessup University?

Stanbridge University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $23,700 at William Jessup University, a difference of $3,700. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

62% of students finish at Stanbridge University, against 56% at William Jessup 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.

Stanbridge University vs William Jessup University: frequently asked questions

Is Stanbridge University or William Jessup University a better value?
Stanbridge University. It clears its $181,488 net cost in about 13.2 years versus 14.2 years at William Jessup University, on median earnings of $62,144 vs $56,257 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Stanbridge University or William Jessup University?
William Jessup University: $28,062/yr net price after aid versus $45,372/yr at Stanbridge University — a difference of $17,310 a year, or about $69,240 over four years.
Do Stanbridge University or William Jessup University graduates earn more?
Stanbridge University graduates earn a median $62,144 ten years after entry, versus $56,257 at William Jessup University — a $5,887 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.