Athens Technical College vs Fort Valley State University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Fort Valley State University comes closer — median earnings $36,666 against a $41,352 total, vs $35,951 at Athens Technical College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Athens Technical College | Fort Valley State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,949 | $10,338 |
| Total net cost | $27,796 | $41,352 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $35,951 | $36,666 |
| Median debt | — | $31,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$275,976 | -$275,232 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Athens Technical College or Fort Valley State University?
Athens Technical College, at $6,949 a year after aid versus $10,338 — a gap of $3,389 a year, or $13,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Athens Technical College or Fort Valley State University graduates earn more?
Fort Valley State University graduates report a median $36,666 ten years after entry, $715 more than the $35,951 at Athens Technical 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 graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Athens Technical College, against 41% at Fort Valley 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.