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Stetson University vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, DeLand FL · vs · Private for-profit, Casselberry FL

The verdict

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $99,980 in 20.1 years versus 23.6 years at Stetson University, on median earnings of $53,341 vs $51,642 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureStetson UniversityAviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando
Net price / yr$19,372$24,995
Total net cost$77,488$99,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,642$53,341
Median debt$23,250$31,301
Payback23.6 yrs20.1 yrs
20-year net return-$11,848-$360

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

Which is cheaper, Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando?

Stetson University, at $19,372 a year after aid versus $24,995 — a gap of $5,623 a year, or $22,492 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando graduates earn more?

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando graduates report a median $53,341 ten years after entry, $1,699 more than the $51,642 at Stetson 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, Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando?

Stetson University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $31,301 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, a difference of $8,051. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

83% of students finish at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, against 62% at Stetson 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.

Stetson University vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando: frequently asked questions

Is Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando a better value?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando. It clears its $99,980 net cost in about 20.1 years versus 23.6 years at Stetson University, on median earnings of $53,341 vs $51,642 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando?
Stetson University: $19,372/yr net price after aid versus $24,995/yr at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando — a difference of $5,623 a year, or about $22,492 over four years.
Do Stetson University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando graduates earn a median $53,341 ten years after entry, versus $51,642 at Stetson University — a $1,699 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.