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Head-to-head comparison

Saint Francis University vs Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Loretto PA · vs · Private nonprofit, West Mifflin PA

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

Option A Loretto, PA

Saint Francis University

Net price / year
$23,526
Earnings, 10 years
$62,101
Payback
6.8 yrs

Option B West Mifflin, PA

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Net price / year
$32,618
Earnings, 10 years
$66,642
Payback
7.1 yrs
The verdict

Saint Francis University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,104 in 6.8 years versus 7.1 years at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, on median earnings of $62,101 vs $66,642 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaint Francis UniversityPittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Net price / yr$23,526$32,618
Total net cost$94,104$130,472
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,101$66,642
Median debt$27,000$12,230
Payback6.8 yrs7.1 yrs
20-year net return$180,716$235,168

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?

Saint Francis University, at $23,526 a year after aid versus $32,618 — a gap of $9,092 a year, or $36,368 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates earn more?

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates report a median $66,642 ten years after entry, $4,541 more than the $62,101 at Saint Francis University. 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: its completers carry a median $12,230 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Saint Francis University, a difference of $14,770. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, against 74% at Saint Francis 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.

Saint Francis University vs Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: frequently asked questions

Is Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics a better value?
Saint Francis University. It clears its $94,104 net cost in about 6.8 years versus 7.1 years at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, on median earnings of $62,101 vs $66,642 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics?
Saint Francis University: $23,526/yr net price after aid versus $32,618/yr at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics — a difference of $9,092 a year, or about $36,368 over four years.
Do Saint Francis University or Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates earn more?
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduates earn a median $66,642 ten years after entry, versus $62,101 at Saint Francis University — a $4,541 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.