Degree Dividend
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University of Akron Main Campus vs Auburn Career Center: which has better ROI?

Public, Akron OH · vs · Public, Concord Twp OH

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Akron Main Campus comes closer — median earnings $46,600 against a $55,784 total, vs $37,032 at Auburn Career Center. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Akron Main CampusAuburn Career Center
Net price / yr$13,946$12,051
Total net cost$55,784$48,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,600$37,032
Median debt$23,250$6,365
Payback
20-year net return-$90,984-$274,764

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

Which is cheaper, University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center?

Auburn Career Center, at $12,051 a year after aid versus $13,946 — a gap of $1,895 a year, or $7,580 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center graduates earn more?

University of Akron Main Campus graduates report a median $46,600 ten years after entry, $9,568 more than the $37,032 at Auburn Career 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 leaves students with less debt, University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center?

Auburn Career Center: its completers carry a median $6,365 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Akron Main Campus, a difference of $16,885. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Auburn Career Center, against 52% at University of Akron Main Campus. 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.

University of Akron Main Campus vs Auburn Career Center: frequently asked questions

Is University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center a better value?
University of Akron Main Campus comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center?
Auburn Career Center: $12,051/yr net price after aid versus $13,946/yr at University of Akron Main Campus — a difference of $1,895 a year, or about $7,580 over four years.
Do University of Akron Main Campus or Auburn Career Center graduates earn more?
University of Akron Main Campus graduates earn a median $46,600 ten years after entry, versus $37,032 at Auburn Career Center — a $9,568 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.