At $11,609/yr net price, Fort Valley State University graduates earn $36,666/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,666/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,609 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,666/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,666/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,128/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,168/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,984/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,414/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,034/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
45.2% of students at Fort Valley State 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
Fort Valley State University delivers weak financial returns that put graduates at serious risk. With median earnings of just $36,666 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate under 50%, your investment faces major headwinds from the start.
Student counseling and teacher education represent your best financial bets at Fort Valley, with counseling graduates earning $48,432 and education majors making $41,007. These programs align well with Georgia's public sector job market and justify the investment. However, avoid mental health services and rehabilitation programs entirely. Mental health graduates carry $73,173 in debt while earning only $36,608, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will cripple your financial future.
The school's 45% graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk. Nearly one in two students who start at Fort Valley never finish, yet they often accumulate debt along the way. Your odds of completing your degree are essentially a coin flip.
Fort Valley makes financial sense only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid and plan to study counseling or education. Georgia residents paying the net price of $11,609 annually can build a case for these specific majors. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere given the weak earnings potential.
If you need extensive academic support or have concerns about your ability to graduate, Fort Valley's retention struggles make it financially dangerous. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings creates a perfect storm for financial disappointment. Choose this school only if your aid package is strong and you commit to one of the two viable career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Valley State University worth the cost?
Fort Valley State University offers a relatively low net price at $11,609 annually, but graduates earn a median of $36,666 ten years after graduation. With median debt of $31,000 and a 45% graduation rate, the financial return depends heavily on completing your degree and choosing the right program.
What are the best paying majors at Fort Valley State University?
Student counseling graduates from Fort Valley State University earn the highest median salaries at $48,432, followed by teacher education at $41,007. Most other programs produce graduates earning in the mid-to-low $30,000s, which may not justify the debt load for some students.
How much debt do Fort Valley State University graduates have?
Fort Valley State University graduates carry a median debt of $31,000. Given that most graduates earn around $36,666 annually, this debt burden represents nearly a full year's salary and may create financial stress for many alumni.
What is the graduation rate at Fort Valley State University?
Fort Valley State University has a 45% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who enroll do not complete their degrees. This significantly increases the risk of taking on student debt without receiving the earning benefits of a college degree.