Georgia Southwestern State University vs Piedmont University: which has better ROI?
Piedmont University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,396 in 107 years versus 121.1 years at Georgia Southwestern State University, on median earnings of $49,130 vs $48,757 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Georgia Southwestern State University | Piedmont University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,019 | $20,599 |
| Total net cost | $48,076 | $82,396 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,757 | $49,130 |
| Median debt | $18,851 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 121.1 yrs | 107 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$40,136 | -$66,996 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University?
Georgia Southwestern State University, at $12,019 a year after aid versus $20,599 — 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 Southwestern State University or Piedmont University graduates earn more?
Piedmont University graduates report a median $49,130 ten years after entry, $373 more than the $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern 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, Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University?
Georgia Southwestern State University: its completers carry a median $18,851 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Piedmont University, a difference of $6,149. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Piedmont University, against 41% at Georgia Southwestern 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.