Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Athens GA · vs · Public, Atlanta GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Georgia has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,744 in 2.7 years versus not at all at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $68,726 vs $47,384 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of GeorgiaGeorgia State University
Net price / yr$13,936$15,931
Total net cost$55,744$63,724
Median earnings, 10 yrs$68,726$47,384
Median debt$18,500$20,903
Payback2.7 yrs—
20-year net return$351,576-$83,244

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

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

University of Georgia, at $13,936 a year after aid versus $15,931 — a gap of $1,995 a year, or $7,980 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Georgia or Georgia State University graduates earn more?

University of Georgia graduates report a median $68,726 ten years after entry, $21,342 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, University of Georgia or Georgia State University?

University of Georgia: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $20,903 at Georgia State University, a difference of $2,403. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

90% of students finish at University of Georgia, 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.

University of Georgia vs Georgia State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Georgia or Georgia State University a better value?
University of Georgia. It clears its $55,744 net cost in about 2.7 years versus no clear payback at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $68,726 vs $47,384 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Georgia or Georgia State University?
University of Georgia: $13,936/yr net price after aid versus $15,931/yr at Georgia State University — a difference of $1,995 a year, or about $7,980 over four years.
Do University of Georgia or Georgia State University graduates earn more?
University of Georgia graduates earn a median $68,726 ten years after entry, versus $47,384 at Georgia State University — a $21,342 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.