Albany State University vs Georgia Institute of Cosmetology: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Albany State University comes closer — median earnings $40,674 against a $47,592 total, vs $21,432 at Georgia Institute of Cosmetology. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Albany State University | Georgia Institute of Cosmetology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,898 | $14,397 |
| Total net cost | $47,592 | $57,588 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,674 | $21,432 |
| Median debt | $25,024 | $11,273 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$201,312 | -$596,148 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Albany State University or Georgia Institute of Cosmetology?
Albany State University, at $11,898 a year after aid versus $14,397 — a gap of $2,499 a year, or $9,996 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Albany State University or Georgia Institute of Cosmetology graduates earn more?
Albany State University graduates report a median $40,674 ten years after entry, $19,242 more than the $21,432 at Georgia Institute of Cosmetology. 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 leaves students with less debt, Albany State University or Georgia Institute of Cosmetology?
Georgia Institute of Cosmetology: its completers carry a median $11,273 in federal loans versus $25,024 at Albany State University, a difference of $13,751. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Georgia Institute of Cosmetology, against 31% at Albany 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.