At $39,723/yr net price, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates earn $64,973/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,973/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,723 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $158,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,973/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,973/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $38,544/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $38,720/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $42,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $43,229/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,658/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $25,500 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $43,087 | $19,000 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $39,523 | $23,500 |
| Air Transportation. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
39.9% of students at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Vaughn College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $64,973 barely justifying the $39,723 annual net price. The 39.9% graduation rate means six out of ten students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies offers the best path forward at $61,516 in median earnings, though you'll carry $27,000 in debt. Pure Mechanical Engineering pays $56,415 with slightly lower debt at $25,500. These programs can work financially if you complete your degree.
Air Transportation presents the worst value proposition, with $39,523 median earnings against $23,500 in debt. You're essentially paying premium tuition for below-average wages. Vehicle Maintenance pays just $43,087, making the debt load questionable even at the lower $19,000 level.
The school's location near major airports creates regional job opportunities in aviation, but the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to reach those positions. The 67.7% retention rate indicates academic or financial challenges that derail students early.
You should consider Vaughn only if you're committed to mechanical engineering or engineering technology and confident you'll graduate. The school works for students with strong technical aptitude who can handle the academic demands. If you're uncertain about your major or academic preparedness, community college aerospace programs offer better risk-adjusted returns.
With 52.5% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be available, but the underlying value proposition remains poor for most programs. Your financial aid package needs to be substantial to make the economics work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of nearly $40,000 per year and median earnings of $65,000 ten years after graduation, Vaughn's ROI is modest at best. The low 40% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies pays best at about $62,000, followed by Mechanical Engineering at $56,000. Air Transportation programs show the weakest returns at under $40,000 annually.
How much student debt do Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,125, which is manageable compared to the school's high tuition costs. However, this figure only includes students who actually graduate.
Does Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology have good job placement after graduation?
The specialized aviation and engineering programs do lead to employment in relevant fields, but the 40% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Success depends heavily on choosing higher-paying technical tracks over general aviation programs.