University of West Florida vs Ave Maria University: which has better ROI?
University of West Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,456 in 48.2 years versus 85.7 years at Ave Maria University, on median earnings of $49,137 vs $49,520 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of West Florida | Ave Maria University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,364 | $24,860 |
| Total net cost | $37,456 | $99,440 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,137 | $49,520 |
| Median debt | $16,624 | $20,776 |
| Payback | 48.2 yrs | 85.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$21,916 | -$76,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of West Florida or Ave Maria University?
University of West Florida, at $9,364 a year after aid versus $24,860 — a gap of $15,496 a year, or $61,984 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 West Florida or Ave Maria University graduates earn more?
Ave Maria University graduates report a median $49,520 ten years after entry, $383 more than the $49,137 at University of West Florida. 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 West Florida or Ave Maria University?
University of West Florida: its completers carry a median $16,624 in federal loans versus $20,776 at Ave Maria University, a difference of $4,152. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at University of West Florida, against 54% at Ave Maria University. 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.