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Head-to-head comparison

University of Denver vs Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Denver CO · vs · Private for-profit, Broomfield CO

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

Option A Denver, CO

University of Denver

Net price / year
$36,131
Earnings, 10 years
$71,155
Payback
6.3 yrs

Option B Broomfield, CO

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Net price / year
$30,065
Earnings, 10 years
$59,093
Payback
5.6 yrs
The verdict

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $60,130 in 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at University of Denver, on median earnings of $59,093 vs $71,155 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of DenverSpartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Net price / yr$36,131$30,065
Total net cost$144,524$60,130
Median earnings, 10 yrs$71,155$59,093
Median debt$21,844$19,188
Payback6.3 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$311,376$154,530

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, at $30,065 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $6,066 a year, or $84,394 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 University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn more?

University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $12,062 more than the $59,093 at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. 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, University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: its completers carry a median $19,188 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $2,656. 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 University of Denver, against 63% at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. 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 Denver vs Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: frequently asked questions

Is University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology a better value?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. It clears its $60,130 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at University of Denver, on median earnings of $59,093 vs $71,155 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: $30,065/yr net price after aid versus $36,131/yr at University of Denver — a difference of $6,066 a year, or about $84,394 over four years.
Do University of Denver or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates earn a median $71,155 ten years after entry, versus $59,093 at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology — a $12,062 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.