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Head-to-head comparison

University of San Diego vs Unitek College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Diego CA · vs · Private for-profit, Fremont CA

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

Option A San Diego, CA

University of San Diego

Net price / year
$30,365
Earnings, 10 years
$86,522
Payback
3.2 yrs

Option B Fremont, CA

Unitek College

Net price / year
$25,179
Earnings, 10 years
$79,550
Payback
3.2 yrs
The verdict

University of San Diego has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,460 in 3.2 years versus 3.2 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $86,522 vs $79,550 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of San DiegoUnitek College
Net price / yr$30,365$25,179
Total net cost$121,460$100,716
Median earnings, 10 yrs$86,522$79,550
Median debt$22,940$10,700
Payback3.2 yrs3.2 yrs
20-year net return$641,780$523,084

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Unitek College?

Unitek College, at $25,179 a year after aid versus $30,365 — a gap of $5,186 a year, or $20,744 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 San Diego or Unitek College graduates earn more?

University of San Diego graduates report a median $86,522 ten years after entry, $6,972 more than the $79,550 at Unitek College. 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 San Diego or Unitek College?

Unitek College: its completers carry a median $10,700 in federal loans versus $22,940 at University of San Diego, a difference of $12,240. 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?

84% of students finish at University of San Diego, against 73% at Unitek College. 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 San Diego vs Unitek College: frequently asked questions

Is University of San Diego or Unitek College a better value?
University of San Diego. It clears its $121,460 net cost in about 3.2 years versus 3.2 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $86,522 vs $79,550 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Unitek College?
Unitek College: $25,179/yr net price after aid versus $30,365/yr at University of San Diego — a difference of $5,186 a year, or about $20,744 over four years.
Do University of San Diego or Unitek College graduates earn more?
University of San Diego graduates earn a median $86,522 ten years after entry, versus $79,550 at Unitek College — a $6,972 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.