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Stetson University vs Eckerd College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, DeLand FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Petersburg FL

The verdict

Stetson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,488 in 23.6 years versus 44 years at Eckerd College, on median earnings of $51,642 vs $51,819 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureStetson UniversityEckerd College
Net price / yr$19,372$38,071
Total net cost$77,488$152,284
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,642$51,819
Median debt$23,250$27,000
Payback23.6 yrs44 yrs
20-year net return-$11,848-$83,104

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

Which is cheaper, Stetson University or Eckerd College?

Stetson University, at $19,372 a year after aid versus $38,071 — a gap of $18,699 a year, or $74,796 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 Eckerd College graduates earn more?

Eckerd College graduates report a median $51,819 ten years after entry, $177 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 Eckerd College?

Stetson University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Eckerd College, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Eckerd College, 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 Eckerd College: frequently asked questions

Is Stetson University or Eckerd College a better value?
Stetson University. It clears its $77,488 net cost in about 23.6 years versus 44 years at Eckerd College, on median earnings of $51,642 vs $51,819 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Stetson University or Eckerd College?
Stetson University: $19,372/yr net price after aid versus $38,071/yr at Eckerd College — a difference of $18,699 a year, or about $74,796 over four years.
Do Stetson University or Eckerd College graduates earn more?
Eckerd College graduates earn a median $51,819 ten years after entry, versus $51,642 at Stetson University — a $177 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.