Valdosta, GA · Private University
Is Valdosta State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,361
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,007
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,062
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$68,248
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.89x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
41.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,779
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,298
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Valdosta State University graduates earn $4,361 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Valdosta State University ranked by graduate earnings
29 graduates
130 graduates
30 graduates
48 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Valdosta State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Valdosta State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $68,221) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $24,977) is $43,244/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $68,221 | 4.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,768 | 3.9x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $56,189 | 3.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $55,030 | 3.2x |
| Information Science/Studies(1yr data) | $51,888 | 3.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $49,202 | 2.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,043 | 2.8x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $44,189 | 2.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,823 | 2.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,980 | 2.5x |
| Biology, General | $42,483 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,903 | 2.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $41,514 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,095 | 2.4x |
| Marketing | $40,254 | 2.4x |
| Sociology and Anthropology | $40,210 | 2.4x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services(1yr data) | $38,601 | 2.3x |
| Psychology, General | $38,409 | 2.3x |
| History | $38,294 | 2.2x |
| American Sign Language(1yr data) | $37,692 | 2.2x |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services | $33,575 | 2.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $31,086 | 1.8x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $30,567 | 1.8x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General(1yr data) | $28,490 | 1.7x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $24,977 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Valdosta State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,361 10 years after starting, $4,361 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.8 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to Valdosta State University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.