Degree Dividend
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Alabama State University vs George C Wallace Community College-Dothan: which has better ROI?

Public, Montgomery AL · vs · Public, Dothan AL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but George C Wallace Community College-Dothan comes closer — median earnings $31,399 against a $4,680 total, vs $34,502 at Alabama State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlabama State UniversityGeorge C Wallace Community College-Dothan
Net price / yr$20,435$1,170
Total net cost$81,740$4,680
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,502$31,399
Median debt$31,000
Payback
20-year net return-$358,900-$343,900

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

Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or George C Wallace Community College-Dothan?

George C Wallace Community College-Dothan, at $1,170 a year after aid versus $20,435 — a gap of $19,265 a year, or $77,060 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Alabama State University or George C Wallace Community College-Dothan graduates earn more?

Alabama State University graduates report a median $34,502 ten years after entry, $3,103 more than the $31,399 at George C Wallace Community College-Dothan. 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.

Which graduates more of its students?

35% of students finish at George C Wallace Community College-Dothan, against 30% at Alabama State University. 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.

Alabama State University vs George C Wallace Community College-Dothan: frequently asked questions

Is Alabama State University or George C Wallace Community College-Dothan a better value?
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or George C Wallace Community College-Dothan?
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan: $1,170/yr net price after aid versus $20,435/yr at Alabama State University — a difference of $19,265 a year, or about $77,060 over four years.
Do Alabama State University or George C Wallace Community College-Dothan graduates earn more?
Alabama State University graduates earn a median $34,502 ten years after entry, versus $31,399 at George C Wallace Community College-Dothan — a $3,103 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.