Georgia Southern University vs Mercer University: which has better ROI?
Mercer University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,388 in 9.5 years versus 12.5 years at Georgia Southern University, on median earnings of $58,354 vs $53,236 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Georgia Southern University | Mercer University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,267 | $23,847 |
| Total net cost | $61,068 | $95,388 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,236 | $58,354 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $24,199 |
| Payback | 12.5 yrs | 9.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $36,452 | $104,492 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Mercer University?
Georgia Southern University, at $15,267 a year after aid versus $23,847 — a gap of $8,580 a year, or $34,320 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 Mercer University graduates earn more?
Mercer University graduates report a median $58,354 ten years after entry, $5,118 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 Mercer University?
Georgia Southern University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,199 at Mercer University, a difference of $949. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Mercer University, 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.