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Head-to-head comparison

The University of Tampa vs National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tampa FL · vs · Private for-profit, Clearwater FL

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

Option A Tampa, FL

The University of Tampa

Net price / year
$36,211
Earnings, 10 years
$59,436
Payback
13.1 yrs

Option B Clearwater, FL

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay

Net price / year
$27,476
Earnings, 10 years
$59,029
Payback
10.3 yrs
The verdict

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $109,904 in 10.3 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $59,029 vs $59,436 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of TampaNational Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay
Net price / yr$36,211$27,476
Total net cost$144,844$109,904
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,436$59,029
Median debt$24,211$22,000
Payback13.1 yrs10.3 yrs
20-year net return$76,676$103,476

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, at $27,476 a year after aid versus $36,211 — a gap of $8,735 a year, or $34,940 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 The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates earn more?

The University of Tampa graduates report a median $59,436 ten years after entry, $407 more than the $59,029 at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay. 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, The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $24,211 at The University of Tampa, a difference of $2,211. 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 National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, against 64% at The University of Tampa. 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.

The University of Tampa vs National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay a better value?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay. It clears its $109,904 net cost in about 10.3 years versus 13.1 years at The University of Tampa, on median earnings of $59,029 vs $59,436 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay?
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay: $27,476/yr net price after aid versus $36,211/yr at The University of Tampa — a difference of $8,735 a year, or about $34,940 over four years.
Do The University of Tampa or National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates earn more?
The University of Tampa graduates earn a median $59,436 ten years after entry, versus $59,029 at National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay — a $407 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.