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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans positive on debt but weak on completion. Your median debt lands at $21,125, low for a private four-year school in New York, and your median earnings ten years out clear that debt several times over. The problem is getting to graduation: only about 40% of students finish, and a third don't return after the first year. If you're paying $39,723 a year and leave without a degree, you carry the cost with none of the payoff.
The engineering technology programs are where the money is. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies grads out-earn Air Transportation grads by roughly $22,000 a year, even though Air Transportation is the program the school is named for. If aviation maintenance or piloting is your draw, know that its bachelor's earnings sit right at the school's net price, meaning one year of tuition roughly equals one year of starting pay in that field. The engineering and electrical tech tracks carry your outcomes.
Your biggest risk here is not debt size but finishing. The retention and graduation numbers mean a real chance of paying for one or two years and walking away without the credential that makes the earnings possible.
The net price tiers work against lower-income families in an unusual way: you'd pay about $38,544 earning under $30k, while a family over $110k pays $40,658. There's almost no discount for having less. That flat pricing makes Vaughn a hard call if you're low-income and unsure you'll finish.
This school fits you if you're committed to an engineering technology major and confident you'll graduate. If you want the aviation programs specifically, weigh the flat starting pay carefully before signing on.
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.