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Head-to-head comparison

Georgia State University vs Emory University: which has better ROI?

Public, Atlanta GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Atlanta GA

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

Option A Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University

Net price / year
$15,931
Earnings, 10 years
$47,384
Payback
No payback

Option B Atlanta, GA

Emory University

Net price / year
$22,585
Earnings, 10 years
$80,137
Payback
2.8 yrs
The verdict

Emory University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,340 in 2.8 years versus not at all at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $80,137 vs $47,384 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia State UniversityEmory University
Net price / yr$15,931$22,585
Total net cost$63,724$90,340
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,384$80,137
Median debt$20,903$18,250
Payback—2.8 yrs
20-year net return-$83,244$545,200

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or Emory University?

Georgia State University, at $15,931 a year after aid versus $22,585 — a gap of $6,654 a year, or $26,616 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 State University or Emory University graduates earn more?

Emory University graduates report a median $80,137 ten years after entry, $32,753 more than the $47,384 at Georgia 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 State University or Emory University?

Emory University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $20,903 at Georgia State University, a difference of $2,653. 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?

91% of students finish at Emory University, against 53% at Georgia 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 State University vs Emory University: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia State University or Emory University a better value?
Emory University. It clears its $90,340 net cost in about 2.8 years versus no clear payback at Georgia State University, on median earnings of $80,137 vs $47,384 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or Emory University?
Georgia State University: $15,931/yr net price after aid versus $22,585/yr at Emory University — a difference of $6,654 a year, or about $26,616 over four years.
Do Georgia State University or Emory University graduates earn more?
Emory University graduates earn a median $80,137 ten years after entry, versus $47,384 at Georgia State University — a $32,753 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.