Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of West Georgia vs Piedmont University: which has better ROI?

Public, Carrollton GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Demorest 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 107 years at Piedmont University, on median earnings of $49,587 vs $49,130 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of West GeorgiaPiedmont University
Net price / yr$12,786$20,599
Total net cost$51,144$82,396
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,587$49,130
Median debt$23,970$25,000
Payback41.7 yrs107 yrs
20-year net return-$26,604-$66,996

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

Which is cheaper, University of West Georgia or Piedmont University?

University of West Georgia, at $12,786 a year after aid versus $20,599 — a gap of $7,813 a year, or $31,252 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 Piedmont University graduates earn more?

University of West Georgia graduates report a median $49,587 ten years after entry, $457 more than the $49,130 at Piedmont 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 Piedmont University?

University of West Georgia: its completers carry a median $23,970 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Piedmont University, a difference of $1,030. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

47% of students finish at Piedmont University, against 43% at University of West Georgia. 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 Piedmont University: frequently asked questions

Is University of West Georgia or Piedmont University a better value?
University of West Georgia. It clears its $51,144 net cost in about 41.7 years versus 107 years at Piedmont University, on median earnings of $49,587 vs $49,130 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of West Georgia or Piedmont University?
University of West Georgia: $12,786/yr net price after aid versus $20,599/yr at Piedmont University — a difference of $7,813 a year, or about $31,252 over four years.
Do University of West Georgia or Piedmont University graduates earn more?
University of West Georgia graduates earn a median $49,587 ten years after entry, versus $49,130 at Piedmont University — a $457 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.