Emory University vs Georgia College & State University: which has better ROI?
Emory University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,340 in 2.8 years versus 8.5 years at Georgia College & State University, on median earnings of $80,137 vs $58,140 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Emory University | Georgia College & State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,585 | $20,686 |
| Total net cost | $90,340 | $82,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $80,137 | $58,140 |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $22,250 |
| Payback | 2.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $545,200 | $112,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Emory University or Georgia College & State University?
Georgia College & State University, at $20,686 a year after aid versus $22,585 — a gap of $1,899 a year, or $7,596 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Emory University or Georgia College & State University graduates earn more?
Emory University graduates report a median $80,137 ten years after entry, $21,997 more than the $58,140 at Georgia College & State 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, Emory University or Georgia College & State University?
Emory University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $22,250 at Georgia College & State University, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at Emory University, against 64% at Georgia College & 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.