Georgia Southern's published cost of attendance is $24,563 per year, including $16,959 in out-of-state tuition, $10,993 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Georgia residents pay significantly less with in-state tuition of just $5,905, creating substantial savings for state residents.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,563 |
| Tuition and Fees | $16,959 |
| Room and Board | $10,993 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,032 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,531 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,139 |
| $30–48k | $13,922 |
| $48–75k | $16,475 |
| $75–110k | $19,776 |
| $110k+ | $20,259 |
Georgia Southern's published cost of attendance is $24,563 per year, including $16,959 in out-of-state tuition, $10,993 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Georgia residents pay significantly less with in-state tuition of just $5,905, creating substantial savings for state residents. However, the average student pays $16,531 after financial aid, representing $8,032 in average financial aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price is $941 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating Georgia Southern provides better value than comparable institutions. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most students, with particularly strong support for lower-income families. Net prices range from $13,139 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,259 for families earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive affordability that scales with family income.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Georgia Southern graduates carry median debt of $23,250, around the national average but $3,250 below the peer median of $20,000, indicating relatively manageable borrowing levels. Debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,427 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across the student body.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 indicates that typical debt levels represent less than half of first-year post-graduation income, supporting manageable repayment timelines. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,532 with monthly payments of approximately $178, indicating moderate family borrowing patterns.
The combination of controlled student borrowing and reasonable parent loan levels suggests families can finance Georgia Southern education without excessive debt burdens. Compared to peer institutions, Georgia Southern students graduate with less debt while earning comparable salaries, creating favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Georgia Southern represents solid educational value, combining accessible costs with meaningful economic advancement. Graduates earn $5,350 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 74.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift, indicating the university adds significant value through education and career preparation.
With median earnings of $53,236 and median debt of $23,250, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 supports sustainable repayment within reasonable timeframes. Compared to peer institutions, Georgia Southern provides $7,307 lower annual earnings but also $3,250 less debt, creating a favorable risk-return profile for students prioritizing affordability over maximum earnings.
The university's excellent mobility performance at the 95.1st percentile demonstrates effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. Net costs below peer medians combined with earnings beyond expectations create positive return on investment for most students.
Georgia Southern's financial aid effectiveness is demonstrated through its ability to serve diverse student populations while maintaining affordability. With 35.5% Pell-eligible students, well above many four-year institutions, the university successfully attracts and supports students from lower-income backgrounds through targeted aid programs.
The $8,032 average financial aid savings reduces the cost barrier significantly, making college accessible to students who might otherwise face financial obstacles. Net prices below peer medians indicate Georgia Southern provides competitive value relative to similar institutions, supporting its mission as an accessible public university.
The progressive aid structure, with lowest-income families paying $13,139 compared to $20,259 for highest-income families, demonstrates institutional commitment to economic diversity. This approach enables the university to maintain its role as an Opportunity Builder, converting educational access into economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
