Degree Dividend
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Albany State University vs South Georgia State College: which has better ROI?

Public, Albany GA · vs · Public, Douglas GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Albany State University comes closer — median earnings $40,674 against a $47,592 total, vs $35,697 at South Georgia State College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlbany State UniversitySouth Georgia State College
Net price / yr$11,898$8,767
Total net cost$47,592$17,534
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,674$35,697
Median debt$25,024$11,500
Payback
20-year net return-$201,312-$270,794

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

Which is cheaper, Albany State University or South Georgia State College?

South Georgia State College, at $8,767 a year after aid versus $11,898 — a gap of $3,131 a year, or $30,058 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 South Georgia State College graduates earn more?

Albany State University graduates report a median $40,674 ten years after entry, $4,977 more than the $35,697 at South Georgia State 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.

Which leaves students with less debt, Albany State University or South Georgia State College?

South Georgia State College: its completers carry a median $11,500 in federal loans versus $25,024 at Albany State University, a difference of $13,524. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

31% of students finish at Albany State University, against 16% at South Georgia State 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.

Albany State University vs South Georgia State College: frequently asked questions

Is Albany State University or South Georgia State College a better value?
Albany State University 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, Albany State University or South Georgia State College?
South Georgia State College: $8,767/yr net price after aid versus $11,898/yr at Albany State University — a difference of $3,131 a year, or about $30,058 over four years.
Do Albany State University or South Georgia State College graduates earn more?
Albany State University graduates earn a median $40,674 ten years after entry, versus $35,697 at South Georgia State College — a $4,977 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.