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Georgia State University vs American InterContinental University-Atlanta: which has better ROI?

Public, Atlanta GA · vs · Private for-profit, Atlanta GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Georgia State University comes closer — median earnings $47,384 against a $63,724 total, vs $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia State UniversityAmerican InterContinental University-Atlanta
Net price / yr$15,931$16,482
Total net cost$63,724$65,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,384$36,144
Median debt$20,903$31,000
Payback
20-year net return-$83,244-$310,248

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

Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?

Georgia State University, at $15,931 a year after aid versus $16,482 — a gap of $551 a year, or $2,204 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 State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn more?

Georgia State University graduates report a median $47,384 ten years after entry, $11,240 more than the $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. 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 State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?

Georgia State University: its completers carry a median $20,903 in federal loans versus $31,000 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, a difference of $10,097. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

53% of students finish at Georgia State University, against 21% at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. 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 State University vs American InterContinental University-Atlanta: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta a better value?
Georgia State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?
Georgia State University: $15,931/yr net price after aid versus $16,482/yr at American InterContinental University-Atlanta — a difference of $551 a year, or about $2,204 over four years.
Do Georgia State University or American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn more?
Georgia State University graduates earn a median $47,384 ten years after entry, versus $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta — a $11,240 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.