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Gordon State College delivers the most affordable Human Services program in Georgia at just $8,918 net cost, while Mercer University commands $22,350 despite similar early-career earnings around $30,000. The earnings gap between lowest and highest remains surprisingly narrow at about $5,500, reflecting steady demand for social workers and case managers across Georgia's expanding metropolitan areas. With Atlanta's role as a regional headquarters for nonprofits and government agencies, graduates find opportunities in child welfare, elder care, and community outreach programs.
6
Programs
$8,918 – $36,828
Net Price Range
$29,572
Avg. Program Earnings
48.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Human Services, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,918 $25,967 $3,475 17.3% 93.3%
2 $10,785 $29,413 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
3 $16,286 $31,133 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
4 $16,972 $29,799 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
5 $22,350 $31,547 $40,890 73.4% 74.7%
6 $36,828 $30,058 76.1% 28.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Gordon State and private colleges?

Gordon State charges $8,918 net cost compared to Mercer's $22,350, yet both lead to similar starting salaries around $30,000. Public funding keeps Gordon State affordable while private colleges rely on tuition revenue.

How do graduation rates affect program value in Human Services?

Mercer achieves a 73.4% graduation rate but costs $13,432 more annually than Gordon State's 17.3% rate. Students must weigh completion likelihood against debt burden, especially when earnings remain similar.

Does location within Georgia impact Human Services career prospects?

Atlanta-area programs like Spelman benefit from proximity to state agencies and major nonprofits. However, smaller cities like Barnesville and Rome also offer internship opportunities with local social services departments and community organizations.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.