Valdosta State University vs LaGrange College: which has better ROI?
LaGrange College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,500 in 24.7 years versus 43.7 years at Valdosta State University, on median earnings of $51,745 vs $49,361 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Valdosta State University | LaGrange College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,945 | $20,875 |
| Total net cost | $43,780 | $83,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,361 | $51,745 |
| Median debt | $24,779 | $25,730 |
| Payback | 43.7 yrs | 24.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$23,760 | -$15,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Valdosta State University or LaGrange College?
Valdosta State University, at $10,945 a year after aid versus $20,875 — a gap of $9,930 a year, or $39,720 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 LaGrange College graduates earn more?
LaGrange College graduates report a median $51,745 ten years after entry, $2,384 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 LaGrange College?
Valdosta State University: its completers carry a median $24,779 in federal loans versus $25,730 at LaGrange College, a difference of $951. 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 LaGrange 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.