At $9,380/yr net price, East Georgia State College graduates earn $37,174/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,174/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,380 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,174/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,174/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,922/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,495/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,540/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,156/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,541/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,886 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
13.8% of students at East Georgia State College 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
East Georgia State College delivers a catastrophically poor financial return with a 10-year median earning of just $37,174 and an abysmal 13.8% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your degree here are roughly one in seven, making this one of the riskiest educational investments in Georgia.
The school's flagship Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning only $20,886 annually, barely above minimum wage despite carrying $11,000 in debt. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment extremely difficult. Other programs show similarly weak earning potential, reflecting the limited career opportunities in the rural Swainsboro region.
The biggest financial risk is simple: you probably won't graduate. With such low completion rates, you face a high likelihood of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The relatively low median debt of $11,750 reflects students dropping out before accumulating larger loan balances.
East Georgia State College makes financial sense only if you're using it as an extremely low-cost stepping stone to transfer to a stronger four-year institution. The $9,380 annual net price is genuinely affordable, but only if you can successfully transfer after completing your general education requirements. If you plan to complete your degree here, you're likely making a poor financial decision.
The school offers some merit aid opportunities given that nearly half of students receive financial assistance, but this doesn't overcome the fundamental problem of weak career outcomes. You should seriously consider community college alternatives or stronger regional universities that offer better graduation rates and career prospects, even at higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Georgia State College worth the cost?
East Georgia State College has serious value concerns with a 13.8% graduation rate and median earnings of $37,174 ten years after enrollment. While the low net price of $9,380 keeps debt manageable, the poor graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degree.
What is the return on investment for East Georgia State College graduates?
East Georgia State College graduates earn about $37,174 annually ten years after starting college, which is below the national average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 13.8% significantly hurts the overall ROI calculation.
How much debt do East Georgia State College students typically have?
East Georgia State College students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $11,750, which is relatively low compared to most four-year colleges. However, with the school's 13.8% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Which programs at East Georgia State College offer the best value?
East Georgia State College's top programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences show graduates earning around $20,886, which is concerning given the time and cost investment. The school's low graduation rate suggests students may be better served by community colleges or other state universities with stronger completion rates.