Georgia State University vs University of Akron Main Campus
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, Georgia State University comes out ahead: 41/100 to 38/100, a 3-point edge over University of Akron Main Campus. 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, University of Akron Main Campus runs $13,946 a year against $15,931 at Georgia State University - $1,985 more a year, or about $7,940 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Georgia State University graduates earn a median $47,384 against $46,600 at University of Akron Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 16.5 years at Georgia State University and 16.9 years at University of Akron Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Georgia State University owing a median $20,903 versus $23,250 at University of Akron Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.55 and 0.69 - 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 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
It's close. Georgia State University edges out University of Akron Main Campus by 3 points (41 vs 38), 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.
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.