Head-to-head · 2026
University of Georgia vs Valdosta State University
Compare average net price ($13,936 at University of Georgia; $10,945 at Valdosta State University), ROI score (12.33 vs 11.27), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($68,726 vs $49,361), and admissions selectivity (37.7% acceptance at University of Georgia; 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 | University of Georgia | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 12.33 ✓ | 11.27 |
| Avg net price | $13,936 | $10,945 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $55,744 | $43,780 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,450 | $6,124 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,688 | $17,836 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $68,726 ✓ | $49,361 |
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 72.3% |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% ✓ | 42.4% |
| Retention rate | 94% ✓ | 71.9% |
| Median debt | $18,500 ✓ | $24,779 |
| Enrollment | 32,137 | 6,622 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1397 | 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 | University of Georgia | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,085 ✓ | $9,378 |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,686 ✓ | $9,541 |
| Family income $48–75k | $13,096 | $11,877 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,942 | $14,906 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,079 | $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 | University of Georgia | Valdosta State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.1% | 9.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.3% | 11.8% |
| Psychology, General | 4.4% | 3.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 2.3% | 4.8% |
| Biology, General | 4.5% | 2.5% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | 1% | 4.2% |
| Marketing | 2.8% | 2.3% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.8% | 2.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Valdosta State University reports the lower average net price by $2,991 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $11,964 difference over four years ($43,780 vs $55,744).
University of Georgia reports $19,365 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($68,726 vs $49,361). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 94% at University of Georgia and 71.9% at Valdosta State University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,500 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
University of Georgia 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 $13,936 at University of Georgia. The annual difference of $2,991 adds up to about $11,964 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Georgia reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $68,726 vs $49,361 at Valdosta State University. The gap in the federal data is $19,365. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Georgia is more selective at 37.7% acceptance vs 72.3% at Valdosta 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.