Head-to-head · 2026
Georgia Highlands College vs University of Georgia
Compare average net price ($6,928 at Georgia Highlands College; $13,936 at University of Georgia), ROI score (15.58 vs 12.33), ten-year median earnings ($43,184 vs $68,726), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Georgia Highlands College; 37.7% at University of Georgia) 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 | University of Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.58 ✓ | 12.33 |
| Avg net price | $6,928 ✓ | $13,936 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,184 | $68,726 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 37.7% |
| Graduation rate | 20.7% | 89.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 4,761 | 32,137 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1397 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Georgia costs $7,008 more per year than Georgia Highlands College ($13,936 vs $6,928). University of Georgia graduates report $25,542 higher median earnings after ten years ($68,726 vs $43,184). On EduGradify's model that puts Georgia Highlands College ahead on projected ROI (15.58 vs 12.33, 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, University of Georgia reports 37.7% acceptance; Georgia Highlands College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Georgia Highlands College vs University of Georgia, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Georgia Highlands College or University of Georgia the better value?
Georgia Highlands College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.58 vs 12.33), 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 $13,936 at University of Georgia. The annual difference of $7,008 adds up to about $28,032 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Georgia reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $68,726 vs $43,184 at Georgia Highlands College. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,542.
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; University of Georgia reports A.