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

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but South Georgia State College comes closer — median earnings $35,697 against a $17,534 total, vs $36,144 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouth Georgia State CollegeAmerican InterContinental University-Atlanta
Net price / yr$8,767$16,482
Total net cost$17,534$65,928
Median earnings, 10 yrs$35,697$36,144
Median debt$11,500$31,000
Payback
20-year net return-$270,794-$310,248

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

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

South Georgia State College, at $8,767 a year after aid versus $16,482 — a gap of $7,715 a year, or $48,394 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do South Georgia State College or American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn more?

American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates report a median $36,144 ten years after entry, $447 more than the $35,697 at South Georgia State College. 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, South Georgia State College or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?

South Georgia State College: its completers carry a median $11,500 in federal loans versus $31,000 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, a difference of $19,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

21% of students finish at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, against 16% at South Georgia State College. 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.

South Georgia State College vs American InterContinental University-Atlanta: frequently asked questions

Is South Georgia State College or American InterContinental University-Atlanta a better value?
South Georgia State College 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, South Georgia State College or American InterContinental University-Atlanta?
South Georgia State College: $8,767/yr net price after aid versus $16,482/yr at American InterContinental University-Atlanta — a difference of $7,715 a year, or about $48,394 over four years.
Do South Georgia State College or American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn more?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn a median $36,144 ten years after entry, versus $35,697 at South Georgia State College — a $447 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.