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Georgia Southern University vs Brenau University: which has better ROI?

Public, Statesboro GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Gainesville GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Georgia Southern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,068 in 12.5 years versus 13.4 years at Brenau University, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $54,003 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia Southern UniversityBrenau University
Net price / yr$15,267$18,924
Total net cost$61,068$75,696
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,236$54,003
Median debt$23,250$27,000
Payback12.5 yrs13.4 yrs
20-year net return$36,452$37,164

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

Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Brenau University?

Georgia Southern University, at $15,267 a year after aid versus $18,924 — a gap of $3,657 a year, or $14,628 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 Brenau University graduates earn more?

Brenau University graduates report a median $54,003 ten years after entry, $767 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 Brenau University?

Georgia Southern University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Brenau University, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Georgia Southern University, against 33% at Brenau 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 Brenau University: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia Southern University or Brenau University a better value?
Georgia Southern University. It clears its $61,068 net cost in about 12.5 years versus 13.4 years at Brenau University, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $54,003 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Brenau University?
Georgia Southern University: $15,267/yr net price after aid versus $18,924/yr at Brenau University — a difference of $3,657 a year, or about $14,628 over four years.
Do Georgia Southern University or Brenau University graduates earn more?
Brenau University graduates earn a median $54,003 ten years after entry, versus $53,236 at Georgia Southern University — a $767 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.