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Georgia Southern University vs Berry College: which has better ROI?

Public, Statesboro GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Mount Berry GA

The verdict

Georgia Southern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,068 in 12.5 years versus 16.4 years at Berry College, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $53,800 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia Southern UniversityBerry College
Net price / yr$15,267$22,320
Total net cost$61,068$89,280
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,236$53,800
Median debt$23,250$23,250
Payback12.5 yrs16.4 yrs
20-year net return$36,452$19,520

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

Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Berry College?

Georgia Southern University, at $15,267 a year after aid versus $22,320 — a gap of $7,053 a year, or $28,212 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Georgia Southern University or Berry College graduates earn more?

Berry College graduates report a median $53,800 ten years after entry, $564 more than the $53,236 at Georgia Southern 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, Georgia Southern University or Berry College?

Completers at both borrow a median $23,250, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Berry College, against 55% at Georgia Southern 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.

Georgia Southern University vs Berry College: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia Southern University or Berry College a better value?
Georgia Southern University. It clears its $61,068 net cost in about 12.5 years versus 16.4 years at Berry College, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $53,800 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Berry College?
Georgia Southern University: $15,267/yr net price after aid versus $22,320/yr at Berry College — a difference of $7,053 a year, or about $28,212 over four years.
Do Georgia Southern University or Berry College graduates earn more?
Berry College graduates earn a median $53,800 ten years after entry, versus $53,236 at Georgia Southern University — a $564 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.