University of Georgia vs Albany State University
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
University of Georgia holds a 74-point ROI advantage over Albany State University, scoring 88/100 versus 14/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Albany State University comes in at $11,898 per year (net price after aid) versus $13,936 at University of Georgia - a difference of $2,038 annually, or roughly $8,152 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Georgia graduates earn a median of $68,726 compared to $40,674 at Albany State University. The payback period is 5.8 years at University of Georgia versus 33.1 years at Albany State University.
Graduates leave University of Georgia with a median $18,500 in debt versus $25,024 at Albany State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.92 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Georgia | Albany State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $5,656 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,688 | $17,008 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,936 | $11,898 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $55,744 | $47,592 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,200 | $27,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,726 | $40,674 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.7% | 31.1% |
| Payback Period | 5.8 yr | 33.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,500 | $25,024 |
| Monthly Payment | $196 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.92 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.4% | 27.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 70.7% | 25.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 37.7% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 32,137 | 5,956 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Georgi... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,085 | $10,693 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,686 | $11,147 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,096 | $13,785 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,942 | $16,419 |
| $110,001+ | $18,079 | $17,324 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Georgi... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems | $113,184 | $59,046 |
| Accounting | $93,260 | $52,363 |
| Marketing | $85,785 | $50,366 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $80,881 | $49,246 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $68,319 | $39,265 |
| Biology | $60,366 | $49,440 |
| Psychology | $59,446 | $41,153 |
| Teacher Education | $52,240 | $51,782 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,717 | $49,310 |
| Social Work | $48,747 | $49,331 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Georgi... | Albany State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 93 | 22 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 90 | 16 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 7 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 11 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 56 | 1 |
| Overall ROI Score | 88 | 14 |
The Verdict
University of Georgia significantly outperforms Albany State University on financial ROI (88 vs 14). The 74-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Albany State University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors University of Georgia.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Georgia
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Albany State University
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.