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

Public, Carrollton GA · vs · Public, Americus GA

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

The verdict

University of West Georgia has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,144 in 41.7 years versus 121.1 years at Georgia Southwestern State University, on median earnings of $49,587 vs $48,757 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of West GeorgiaGeorgia Southwestern State University
Net price / yr$12,786$12,019
Total net cost$51,144$48,076
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,587$48,757
Median debt$23,970$18,851
Payback41.7 yrs121.1 yrs
20-year net return-$26,604-$40,136

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

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

Georgia Southwestern State University, at $12,019 a year after aid versus $12,786 — a gap of $767 a year, or $3,068 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 West Georgia or Georgia Southwestern State University graduates earn more?

University of West Georgia graduates report a median $49,587 ten years after entry, $830 more than the $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern 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 West Georgia or Georgia Southwestern State University?

Georgia Southwestern State University: its completers carry a median $18,851 in federal loans versus $23,970 at University of West Georgia, a difference of $5,119. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

43% of students finish at University of West Georgia, against 41% at Georgia Southwestern 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 West Georgia vs Georgia Southwestern State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of West Georgia or Georgia Southwestern State University a better value?
University of West Georgia. It clears its $51,144 net cost in about 41.7 years versus 121.1 years at Georgia Southwestern State University, on median earnings of $49,587 vs $48,757 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of West Georgia or Georgia Southwestern State University?
Georgia Southwestern State University: $12,019/yr net price after aid versus $12,786/yr at University of West Georgia — a difference of $767 a year, or about $3,068 over four years.
Do University of West Georgia or Georgia Southwestern State University graduates earn more?
University of West Georgia graduates earn a median $49,587 ten years after entry, versus $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern State University — a $830 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.