Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.2%
- Retention Rate
- 72.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,666
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 19.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,007 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $36,608 | $73,173 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $35,060 | $61,500 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $32,925 | $49,805 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,554 | $29,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $33,630 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $27,995 | $31,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $23,649 | $29,556 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $26,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Fort Valley State graduates enter the workforce with median debt of $31,000 against median earnings of $36,666, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85. Monthly loan payments of $329 consume about 11% of typical graduate income. The university's strong agriculture programs funnel graduates into farming, veterinary science, and agricultural research roles. Many alumni also pursue careers in education and social services. The 96.4% employment rate shows graduates find work consistently. However, the relatively low median earnings reflect both the regional job market in rural Georgia and the service-oriented career paths many graduates choose. This represents an average return on investment for students seeking stable employment over high earnings.