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

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

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of Tampa has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,844 in 13.1 years versus 20.1 years at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $53,341 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of TampaAviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando
Net price / yr$36,211$24,995
Total net cost$144,844$99,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,436$53,341
Median debt$24,211$31,301
Payback13.1 yrs20.1 yrs
20-year net return$76,676-$360

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

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

Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, at $24,995 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $11,216 a year, or $44,864 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $6,095 more than the $53,341 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando. 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, The University of Tampa or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando?

The University of Tampa: its completers carry a median $24,211 in federal loans versus $31,301 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, a difference of $7,090. 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 64% at The University of Tampa. 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.

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

Is The University of Tampa or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando a better value?
The University of Tampa. It clears its $144,844 net cost in about 13.1 years versus 20.1 years at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando, on median earnings of $59,436 vs $53,341 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando: $24,995/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $11,216 a year, or about $44,864 over four years.
Do The University of Tampa or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $53,341 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando — a $6,095 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.