Head-to-head · 2026
Georgia Southwestern State University vs Valdosta State University
Compare average net price ($12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University; $10,945 at Valdosta State University), ROI score (10.14 vs 11.27), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($48,757 vs $49,361), and admissions selectivity (75.2% acceptance at Georgia Southwestern State University; 72.3% at Valdosta State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Georgia Southwestern State University | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.14 | 11.27 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,019 | $10,945 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $48,076 | $43,780 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $5,220 | $6,124 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,572 | $17,836 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $48,757 | $49,361 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.2% | 72.3% |
| Graduation rate | 40.6% | 42.4% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 57.6% | 71.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,851 ✓ | $24,779 |
| Enrollment | 2,424 | 6,622 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 978 | 1013 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Georgia Southwestern State University | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,477 | $9,378 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,935 | $9,541 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $13,508 | $11,877 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,373 | $14,906 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,415 ✓ | $15,905 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Georgia Southwestern State University | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 36.2% | 11.8% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 12.7% | 9.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 11.6% | 4.8% |
| Psychology, General | 5.8% | 3.9% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 5.7% | 2.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 2.1% | 4.8% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 3.2% | 1.5% |
| Marketing | 2.5% | 2.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Valdosta State University reports the lower average net price by $1,074 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $4,296 difference over four years ($43,780 vs $48,076).
Valdosta State University reports $604 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($49,361 vs $48,757). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 57.6% at Georgia Southwestern State University and 71.9% at Valdosta State University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,851 vs $24,779, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Georgia Southwestern State University vs Valdosta State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Valdosta State University is cheaper — average net price $10,945 per year vs $12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University. The annual difference of $1,074 adds up to about $4,296 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Valdosta State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $49,361 vs $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern State University. The gap in the federal data is $604. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Valdosta State University is more selective at 72.3% acceptance vs 75.2% at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.