University of the Incarnate Word vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston: which has better ROI?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,116 in 9.4 years versus 10.9 years at University of the Incarnate Word, on median earnings of $58,327 vs $56,733 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of the Incarnate Word | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,775 | $23,529 |
| Total net cost | $91,100 | $94,116 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,733 | $58,327 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $31,875 |
| Payback | 10.9 yrs | 9.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $76,360 | $105,224 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of the Incarnate Word or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston?
University of the Incarnate Word, at $22,775 a year after aid versus $23,529 — a gap of $754 a year, or $3,016 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 the Incarnate Word or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston graduates report a median $58,327 ten years after entry, $1,594 more than the $56,733 at University of the Incarnate Word. 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 the Incarnate Word or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston?
University of the Incarnate Word: its completers carry a median $27,000 in federal loans versus $31,875 at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston, a difference of $4,875. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston, against 51% at University of the Incarnate Word. 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.