Degree Dividend
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Athens Technical College vs Savannah State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Athens GA · vs · Public, Savannah GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Savannah State University comes closer — median earnings $37,981 against a $32,688 total, vs $35,951 at Athens Technical College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAthens Technical CollegeSavannah State University
Net price / yr$6,949$8,172
Total net cost$27,796$32,688
Median earnings, 10 yrs$35,951$37,981
Median debt$28,000
Payback
20-year net return-$275,976-$240,268

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

Which is cheaper, Athens Technical College or Savannah State University?

Athens Technical College, at $6,949 a year after aid versus $8,172 — a gap of $1,223 a year, or $4,892 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 Savannah State University graduates earn more?

Savannah State University graduates report a median $37,981 ten years after entry, $2,030 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 28% at Savannah 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.

Athens Technical College vs Savannah State University: frequently asked questions

Is Athens Technical College or Savannah State University a better value?
Savannah 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, Athens Technical College or Savannah State University?
Athens Technical College: $6,949/yr net price after aid versus $8,172/yr at Savannah State University — a difference of $1,223 a year, or about $4,892 over four years.
Do Athens Technical College or Savannah State University graduates earn more?
Savannah State University graduates earn a median $37,981 ten years after entry, versus $35,951 at Athens Technical College — a $2,030 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.