Degree Dividend
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South University-Savannah Online vs Albany State University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Savannah GA · vs · Public, Albany GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Albany State University comes closer — median earnings $40,674 against a $47,592 total, vs $34,421 at South University-Savannah Online. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouth University-Savannah OnlineAlbany State University
Net price / yr$28,049$11,898
Total net cost$112,196$47,592
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,421$40,674
Median debt$26,123$25,024
Payback
20-year net return-$390,976-$201,312

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

Which is cheaper, South University-Savannah Online or Albany State University?

Albany State University, at $11,898 a year after aid versus $28,049 — a gap of $16,151 a year, or $64,604 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 University-Savannah Online or Albany State University graduates earn more?

Albany State University graduates report a median $40,674 ten years after entry, $6,253 more than the $34,421 at South University-Savannah Online. 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 University-Savannah Online or Albany State University?

Albany State University: its completers carry a median $25,024 in federal loans versus $26,123 at South University-Savannah Online, a difference of $1,099. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

31% of students finish at Albany State University, against 7% at South University-Savannah Online. 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 University-Savannah Online vs Albany State University: frequently asked questions

Is South University-Savannah Online or Albany State University a better value?
Albany 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, South University-Savannah Online or Albany State University?
Albany State University: $11,898/yr net price after aid versus $28,049/yr at South University-Savannah Online — a difference of $16,151 a year, or about $64,604 over four years.
Do South University-Savannah Online or Albany State University graduates earn more?
Albany State University graduates earn a median $40,674 ten years after entry, versus $34,421 at South University-Savannah Online — a $6,253 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.