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Augusta University vs Thomas University: which has better ROI?

Public, Augusta GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Thomasville GA

The verdict

Thomas University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,996 in 54.6 years versus 492.4 years at Augusta University, on median earnings of $49,716 vs $48,472 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAugusta UniversityThomas University
Net price / yr$13,787$18,499
Total net cost$55,148$73,996
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,472$49,716
Median debt$20,500$21,198
Payback492.4 yrs54.6 yrs
20-year net return-$52,908-$46,876

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

Which is cheaper, Augusta University or Thomas University?

Augusta University, at $13,787 a year after aid versus $18,499 — a gap of $4,712 a year, or $18,848 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Augusta University or Thomas University graduates earn more?

Thomas University graduates report a median $49,716 ten years after entry, $1,244 more than the $48,472 at Augusta University. 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, Augusta University or Thomas University?

Augusta University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,198 at Thomas University, a difference of $698. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at Augusta University, against 28% at Thomas 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.

Augusta University vs Thomas University: frequently asked questions

Is Augusta University or Thomas University a better value?
Thomas University. It clears its $73,996 net cost in about 54.6 years versus 492.4 years at Augusta University, on median earnings of $49,716 vs $48,472 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Augusta University or Thomas University?
Augusta University: $13,787/yr net price after aid versus $18,499/yr at Thomas University — a difference of $4,712 a year, or about $18,848 over four years.
Do Augusta University or Thomas University graduates earn more?
Thomas University graduates earn a median $49,716 ten years after entry, versus $48,472 at Augusta University — a $1,244 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.