University of Denver vs Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: which has better ROI?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $60,130 in 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at University of Denver, on median earnings of $59,093 vs $71,155 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Denver | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,131 | $30,065 |
| Total net cost | $144,524 | $60,130 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,155 | $59,093 |
| Median debt | $21,844 | $19,188 |
| Payback | 6.3 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $311,376 | $154,530 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, at $30,065 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $6,066 a year, or $84,394 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 Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $12,062 more than the $59,093 at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. 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 Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: its completers carry a median $19,188 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $2,656. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at University of Denver, against 63% at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. 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.