Valdosta State University's published cost of attendance reaches $20,202 annually, including $17,062 in out-of-state tuition (or $6,007 for Georgia residents), $8,922 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net costs averaging $11,298 across all income levels.
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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) | $20,801 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,836 |
| Room and Board | $9,530 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,856 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,945 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,378 |
| $30–48k | $9,541 |
| $48–75k | $11,877 |
| $75–110k | $14,906 |
| $110k+ | $15,905 |
Valdosta State University's published cost of attendance reaches $20,202 annually, including $17,062 in out-of-state tuition (or $6,007 for Georgia residents), $8,922 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net costs averaging $11,298 across all income levels. This represents financial aid savings of $8,904 annually, demonstrating the institution's commitment to affordability through need-based assistance.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $14,093, Valdosta State University costs $2,795 more annually, though this difference reflects the comprehensive support services and programs available. The university's pricing structure emphasizes accessibility for Georgia residents through lower in-state tuition while providing substantial financial aid to reduce actual costs for students across income levels. Net prices range from $9,443 for the lowest-income students to $16,028 for the highest-income families, creating a progressive cost structure that targets aid toward those with greatest financial need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Valdosta State University graduates carry median debt of $24,779, which falls modestly below average nationally at the 37th percentile but runs $3,674 higher than the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $28,750 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 suggests that graduates can reasonably manage loan payments relative to their median earnings of $49,361. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,706 with monthly payments of $180, adding to family debt obligations but remaining within typical ranges for public institutions.
The debt levels reflect the balance between keeping education affordable through aid while requiring reasonable borrowing to complete degree programs. Students should expect to graduate with debt levels that, while above peer medians, remain manageable given typical post-graduation earnings and career trajectories available through the university's programs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Valdosta State University delivers reasonable return on educational investment through earnings that exceed expectations relative to student demographics served. Graduates earn $3,690 beyond expectations, ranking at the 69.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift, indicating that the education provides measurable value.
While median earnings of $49,361 rank modestly below average nationally, they represent strong outcomes given the diverse student population served, including 50.9% Pell-eligible students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates sustainable loan payments relative to post-graduation income levels.
Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $755 less annually while carrying $3,674 more in debt, suggesting mixed investment outcomes that depend on individual program choice and career path. The combination of controlled net costs, particularly for lower-income students, and earnings that exceed demographic expectations creates favorable investment conditions for students seeking accessible pathways to degree completion and economic mobility.
Valdosta State University serves 50.9% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and reflecting the institution's commitment to enrolling students from lower-income backgrounds. The substantial financial aid savings of $8,904 annually indicate robust need-based assistance programs that make attendance feasible for families across income levels.
The progressive net pricing structure, with lowest-income students paying $6,585 less than highest-income families, demonstrates effective aid targeting toward students with greatest financial need. This aid concentration enables the university to maintain accessibility while serving a student population where more than half qualify for federal Pell grants, indicating family incomes typically below $60,000.
The combination of high Pell enrollment and substantial aid savings reflects institutional priorities that emphasize educational access over revenue maximization.
