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Head-to-head comparison

Georgia Southwestern State University vs Piedmont University: which has better ROI?

Public, Americus GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Demorest GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Americus, GA

Georgia Southwestern State University

Net price / year
$12,019
Earnings, 10 years
$48,757
Payback
121.1 yrs

Option B Demorest, GA

Piedmont University

Net price / year
$20,599
Earnings, 10 years
$49,130
Payback
107 yrs
The verdict

Piedmont University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,396 in 107 years versus 121.1 years at Georgia Southwestern State University, on median earnings of $49,130 vs $48,757 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia Southwestern State UniversityPiedmont University
Net price / yr$12,019$20,599
Total net cost$48,076$82,396
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,757$49,130
Median debt$18,851$25,000
Payback121.1 yrs107 yrs
20-year net return-$40,136-$66,996

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University?

Georgia Southwestern State University, at $12,019 a year after aid versus $20,599 — a gap of $8,580 a year, or $34,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University graduates earn more?

Piedmont University graduates report a median $49,130 ten years after entry, $373 more than the $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University?

Georgia Southwestern State University: its completers carry a median $18,851 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Piedmont University, a difference of $6,149. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

47% of students finish at Piedmont University, against 41% at Georgia Southwestern State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Georgia Southwestern State University vs Piedmont University: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University a better value?
Piedmont University. It clears its $82,396 net cost in about 107 years versus 121.1 years at Georgia Southwestern State University, on median earnings of $49,130 vs $48,757 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University?
Georgia Southwestern State University: $12,019/yr net price after aid versus $20,599/yr at Piedmont University — a difference of $8,580 a year, or about $34,320 over four years.
Do Georgia Southwestern State University or Piedmont University graduates earn more?
Piedmont University graduates earn a median $49,130 ten years after entry, versus $48,757 at Georgia Southwestern State University — a $373 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.