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

Public, Atlanta GA · vs · Public, Statesboro 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 not at all at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $47,384 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia State UniversityGeorgia Southern University
Net price / yr$15,931$15,267
Total net cost$63,724$61,068
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,384$53,236
Median debt$20,903$23,250
Payback—12.5 yrs
20-year net return-$83,244$36,452

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

Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or Georgia Southern University?

Georgia Southern University, at $15,267 a year after aid versus $15,931 — a gap of $664 a year, or $2,656 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 Georgia Southern University graduates earn more?

Georgia Southern University graduates report a median $53,236 ten years after entry, $5,852 more than the $47,384 at Georgia 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 State University or Georgia Southern University?

Georgia State University: its completers carry a median $20,903 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University, a difference of $2,347. 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 53% at Georgia 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.

Georgia State University vs Georgia Southern University: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia State University or Georgia Southern University a better value?
Georgia Southern University. It clears its $61,068 net cost in about 12.5 years versus no clear payback at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $53,236 vs $47,384 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or Georgia Southern University?
Georgia Southern University: $15,267/yr net price after aid versus $15,931/yr at Georgia State University — a difference of $664 a year, or about $2,656 over four years.
Do Georgia State University or Georgia Southern University graduates earn more?
Georgia Southern University graduates earn a median $53,236 ten years after entry, versus $47,384 at Georgia State University — a $5,852 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.