Head-to-head · 2026
Georgia Highlands College vs Georgia Southwestern State University
Compare average net price ($6,928 at Georgia Highlands College; $12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University), ROI score (15.58 vs 10.14), ten-year median earnings ($43,184 vs $48,757), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Georgia Highlands College; 75.2% at Georgia Southwestern State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Georgia Highlands College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Georgia Highlands College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Georgia Highlands College | Georgia Southwestern State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.58 ✓ | 10.14 |
| Avg net price | $6,928 ✓ | $12,019 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,184 | $48,757 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 75.2% |
| Graduation rate | 20.7% | 40.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $18,851 |
| Enrollment | 4,761 | 2,424 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 978 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Georgia Southwestern State University costs $5,091 more per year than Georgia Highlands College ($12,019 vs $6,928). Georgia Southwestern State University graduates report $5,573 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,757 vs $43,184). On EduGradify's model that puts Georgia Highlands College ahead on projected ROI (15.58 vs 10.14, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Georgia Highlands College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Georgia Southwestern State University reports 75.2% acceptance; Georgia Highlands College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Georgia Highlands College vs Georgia Southwestern State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Georgia Highlands College or Georgia Southwestern State University the better value?
Georgia Highlands College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.58 vs 10.14), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Georgia Highlands College is cheaper — average net price $6,928 per year vs $12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University. The annual difference of $5,091 adds up to about $20,364 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Georgia Southwestern State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,757 vs $43,184 at Georgia Highlands College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,573.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Georgia Highlands College reports a A value grade; Georgia Southwestern State University reports B.