Georgia Southern University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Virginia Commonwealth University comes out ahead: 55/100 to 52/100, a 3-point edge over Georgia Southern University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Georgia Southern University runs $15,267 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University - $8,166 more a year, or about $32,664 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn a median $58,128 against $53,236 at Georgia Southern University. The cost earns itself back in 11 years at Georgia Southern University and 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Virginia Commonwealth University owing a median $21,500 versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.63 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Georgia Southern Universi... | Virginia Commonwealth Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,022 | $16,945 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,734 | $40,109 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,267 | $23,433 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $61,068 | $93,732 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,800 | $37,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $53,236 | $58,128 |
| Graduation Rate | 54.9% | 63.2% |
| Payback Period | 11 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $246 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.63 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.6% | 64.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.0% | 61.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.9% | 92.6% |
| Enrollment | 21,790 | 20,753 |
| SAT Range | 986-1133 | 1010-1270 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Georgia Southern Uni... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,162 | $17,512 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,564 | $17,777 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,965 | $20,925 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,408 | $24,691 |
| $110,001+ | $19,789 | $32,739 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Georgia Southern Uni... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $92,026 | $118,521 |
| Electrical Engineering | $95,467 | $107,487 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,731 | $88,410 |
| Information Science | $80,409 | $87,219 |
| Registered Nursing | $79,988 | $86,661 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $72,156 | $80,344 |
| Accounting | $74,282 | $78,631 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $66,017 | $77,786 |
| Marketing | $69,425 | $68,622 |
| Mathematics | $59,424 | $68,457 |
| Chemistry | $65,629 | $67,439 |
| Business Information Systems | $57,606 | $64,164 |
| International Relations | $58,949 | $62,182 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $50,800 | $59,442 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,398 | $58,792 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Georgia Southern Uni... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 66 | 54 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 55 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 44 | 58 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 49 | 65 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 24 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 52 | 55 |
The Verdict
It's close. Virginia Commonwealth University edges out Georgia Southern University by 3 points (55 vs 52), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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Georgia Southern University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Virginia Commonwealth University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.