Georgia State University vs University of Akron Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Georgia State University holds a 3-point ROI advantage over University of Akron Main Campus, scoring 41/100 versus 38/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Akron Main Campus comes in at $13,946 per year (net price after aid) versus $15,931 at Georgia State University - a difference of $1,985 annually, or roughly $7,940 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia State University graduates earn a median of $47,384 compared to $46,600 at University of Akron Main Campus. The payback period is 16.5 years at Georgia State University versus 16.9 years at University of Akron Main Campus.
Graduates leave Georgia State University with a median $20,903 in debt versus $23,250 at University of Akron Main Campus. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.55 and 0.69 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Georgia State University | University of Akron Main ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,664 | $13,135 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,840 | $20,815 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,931 | $13,946 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $63,724 | $55,784 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,100 | $33,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $47,384 | $46,600 |
| Graduation Rate | 53.1% | 51.9% |
| Payback Period | 16.5 yr | 16.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,903 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $222 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.55 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 55.1% | 70.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 50.8% | 51.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 55.4% | 59.7% |
| Enrollment | 26,623 | 9,052 |
| SAT Range | 940-1180 | 900-1190 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Georgia State Univer... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,787 | $10,413 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,430 | $10,131 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,656 | $13,519 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,390 | $17,800 |
| $110,001+ | $20,305 | $20,226 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Georgia State Univer... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $99,457 | $58,061 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,146 | $76,089 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $82,688 | $74,840 |
| Accounting | $81,029 | $73,101 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $16,682 | $70,867 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,644 | $68,285 |
| Marketing | $67,872 | $65,857 |
| Chemistry | $53,430 | $62,661 |
| Biology | $52,222 | $59,427 |
| International Relations | $58,432 | $48,987 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,857 | $57,319 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $56,263 | $55,527 |
| Teacher Education | $54,899 | $40,780 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $47,111 | $53,594 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,410 | $44,100 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Georgia State Univer... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 40 | 44 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 34 | 32 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 63 | 32 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 45 | 43 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 12 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 41 | 38 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Georgia State University edges out University of Akron Main Campus by 3 points (41 vs 38), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Georgia State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Akron Main Campus
Poor 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.