Head-to-head · 2026
Georgia Southwestern State University vs Gordon State College
Compare average net price ($12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University; $8,105 at Gordon State College), ROI score (10.14 vs 11.68), ten-year median earnings ($48,757 vs $37,871), and admissions selectivity (75.2% acceptance at Georgia Southwestern State University; 85.9% at Gordon State College) using federal College Scorecard data. Gordon State College has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Gordon State 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 Southwestern State University | Gordon State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.14 | 11.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,019 | $8,105 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $48,757 ✓ | $37,871 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.2% ✓ | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 40.6% ✓ | 20.4% |
| Median debt | $18,851 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,424 | 2,544 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 978 | 1023 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Georgia Southwestern State University costs $3,914 more per year than Gordon State College ($12,019 vs $8,105). Georgia Southwestern State University graduates report $10,886 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,757 vs $37,871). On EduGradify's model that puts Gordon State College ahead on projected ROI (11.68 vs 10.14, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Gordon State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Georgia Southwestern State University is accessible at 75.2% acceptance versus 85.9% (accessible) at Gordon State College.
Frequently asked
Georgia Southwestern State University vs Gordon State College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Georgia Southwestern State University or Gordon State College the better value?
Gordon State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.68 vs 10.14), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Gordon State College is cheaper — average net price $8,105 per year vs $12,019 at Georgia Southwestern State University. The annual difference of $3,914 adds up to about $15,656 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Georgia Southwestern State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,757 vs $37,871 at Gordon State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,886.
Which school is harder to get into?
Georgia Southwestern State University is more selective at 75.2% acceptance vs 85.9% at Gordon State College.
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 Southwestern State University reports a B value grade; Gordon State College reports A.