At $13,347/yr net price, Augusta University graduates earn $48,472/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,472/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,347 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,472/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,472/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,597/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,947/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,829/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,848/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,901/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Residency Programs. | Certificate | $222,886 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $115,542 | $232,467 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,421 | $93,793 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,078 | $70,302 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,127 | $102,579 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $67,789 | $57,662 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,821 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,990 | $57,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,888 | $15,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,943 | $22,750 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at Augusta University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Augusta University delivers strong returns if you choose the right program, but weak outcomes in most other fields. The school's healthcare focus creates a clear financial winner-loser divide that you need to understand before enrolling.
Dental programs produce strong earnings but require massive debt loads. Dentistry graduates earn $115,542 annually but carry $232,467 in debt, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario that works only if you complete the program successfully. Allied health diagnostic programs offer a better risk-adjusted return at $106,421 in earnings with $93,793 in debt.
Nursing provides the strongest overall value proposition. You earn $103,078 annually with just $70,302 in debt, making this Augusta's safest high-earning path. The regional job market strongly supports these healthcare careers, with Augusta's medical district providing steady employment opportunities.
Programs outside healthcare show concerning returns given the school's 48.6% graduation rate. If you struggle academically or choose non-healthcare majors, you face significant risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. The 73.5% retention rate suggests many students recognize this mismatch early.
You should consider Augusta if you're committed to healthcare careers and confident in your academic abilities. The low net price of $13,347 makes the risk more manageable than at expensive private schools. However, look elsewhere if you want broad career flexibility or lack strong science aptitude.
Financial aid reaches only 38.4% of students, limiting scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves choosing nursing or allied health programs where the debt-to-income ratios justify the investment. Avoid dental school unless you have family financial backing or strong academic credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Augusta University worth the cost?
Augusta University offers strong value for health science students, with dental and nursing programs producing graduates earning over $100,000. However, the 48% graduation rate and $48,472 median earnings create mixed returns for students in other programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Augusta University?
Dental residency programs lead with $222,886 median earnings, followed by dentistry at $115,542 and allied health programs at $106,421. Nursing graduates earn around $103,000, while rehabilitation programs average $70,127.
How much student debt do Augusta University graduates have?
Augusta University graduates typically leave with $20,500 in debt, which is manageable for health science majors but may strain graduates in lower-paying fields. The relatively low net price of $13,347 per year helps keep debt reasonable.
Does Augusta University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects depend heavily on your major at Augusta University. Health science programs like dentistry and nursing have strong employment rates and high salaries, but the university's 48% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.