Valdosta State University vs Covenant College: which has better ROI?
Valdosta State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,780 in 43.7 years versus 51.2 years at Covenant College, on median earnings of $49,361 vs $50,412 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Valdosta State University | Covenant College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,945 | $26,265 |
| Total net cost | $43,780 | $105,060 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,361 | $50,412 |
| Median debt | $24,779 | $22,500 |
| Payback | 43.7 yrs | 51.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$23,760 | -$64,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Valdosta State University or Covenant College?
Valdosta State University, at $10,945 a year after aid versus $26,265 — a gap of $15,320 a year, or $61,280 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Valdosta State University or Covenant College graduates earn more?
Covenant College graduates report a median $50,412 ten years after entry, $1,051 more than the $49,361 at Valdosta 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, Valdosta State University or Covenant College?
Covenant College: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $24,779 at Valdosta State University, a difference of $2,279. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Covenant College, against 42% at Valdosta 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.