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University of Rio Grande vs Aveda Institute-Columbus: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Rio Grande OH · vs · Private for-profit, Columbus OH

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Rio Grande comes closer — median earnings $41,478 against a $47,372 total, vs $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Rio GrandeAveda Institute-Columbus
Net price / yr$23,686$20,800
Total net cost$47,372$83,200
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,478$30,231
Median debt$17,750$6,333
Payback——
20-year net return-$185,012-$445,780

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

Which is cheaper, University of Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus?

Aveda Institute-Columbus, at $20,800 a year after aid versus $23,686 — a gap of $2,886 a year, or $35,828 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 Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus graduates earn more?

University of Rio Grande graduates report a median $41,478 ten years after entry, $11,247 more than the $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus. 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 Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus?

Aveda Institute-Columbus: its completers carry a median $6,333 in federal loans versus $17,750 at University of Rio Grande, a difference of $11,417. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at Aveda Institute-Columbus, against 36% at University of Rio Grande. 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 Rio Grande vs Aveda Institute-Columbus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus a better value?
University of Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus?
Aveda Institute-Columbus: $20,800/yr net price after aid versus $23,686/yr at University of Rio Grande — a difference of $2,886 a year, or about $35,828 over four years.
Do University of Rio Grande or Aveda Institute-Columbus graduates earn more?
University of Rio Grande graduates earn a median $41,478 ten years after entry, versus $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus — a $11,247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.