At $14,251/yr net price, Albany State University graduates earn $40,674/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,674/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,251 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,674/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,674/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,024 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,993/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,402/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,897/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,306 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $23,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $59,873 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,867 | $17,305 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,729 | $35,569 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,128 | $31,155 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $38,289 | $35,875 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $37,593 |
The Risk Factor
22.8% of students at Albany State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Albany State University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $40,674 ten years after graduation and a dismal 22.8% graduation rate that leaves three-quarters of students without degrees.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $56,867 to $105,306 annually and carrying manageable debt loads around $17,000-$23,000. Education administration also shows promise at nearly $60,000 in earnings. However, teacher preparation programs saddle graduates with $35,569 in debt for earnings under $48,000, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio.
Your biggest financial risk at Albany State is not graduating at all. The low completion rate means you could accumulate debt without earning a degree that justifies the investment. The 78.4% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially after their first year.
Albany State makes financial sense only if you can secure admission to the nursing program or plan to pursue education administration. The $14,251 net price is reasonable for Georgia, but only if you actually graduate and enter a field with decent earning potential.
Nearly 65% of students receive financial aid, indicating the school works to keep costs manageable for low-income students. If you're considering Albany State, focus intensely on graduation support services and avoid programs outside of nursing and education leadership. Students who aren't confident about completing their degree or who want flexibility in major selection should look elsewhere for better ROI prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany State University worth the money?
Albany State University's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $40,674 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $14,251 annually. The low 23% graduation rate creates significant risk that students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Albany State University?
Nursing programs at Albany State University offer the strongest financial returns, with some graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Education-related majors typically lead to lower earnings around $47,000-$60,000 per year.
How much debt do Albany State University graduates have?
Albany State University graduates carry a median debt of $25,024, which is manageable relative to the school's low net price. However, the poor graduation rate means many students may take on debt without earning a degree.
Does Albany State University have good job placement after graduation?
Albany State University's 23% graduation rate suggests significant challenges in student success and degree completion. While nursing graduates can expect strong employment prospects, the overall low completion rate raises concerns about the school's ability to prepare students for career success.