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 leaves you with a weak financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit at $36,666, and median debt runs $31,000 , nearly a dollar of debt for every dollar you might earn in a year. That ratio is the core problem here.
Teacher education is the one bright spot, paying about $41,007 and clearing the school-wide median by several thousand dollars. If you're headed into Georgia's public school system, this is where the numbers work. Everything else drags. Information science, veterinary/animal health, business administration, and general computer science all land between roughly $29,700 and $33,300 , below the campus median and below what you'd want against a $31,000 debt load. Computer science is the worst trade: you graduate owing over $33,000 to earn under $30,000.
The specific risk is that under half of you finish. A 45% graduation rate means many enrollees take on debt and leave without the degree that was supposed to pay it back. That's the most expensive outcome, and it happens here more often than not.
The net price tiers actually invert. If your family earns over $110k, you pay less than families in the $75-110k bracket. And families under $30k still pay over $10,000 a year , the cost floor stays high no matter your income, so low-income families don't get much relief.
This school fits you if you want to teach and you're confident you'll finish in four years. If you're chasing a tech or business salary, the earnings don't back up the debt, and you should compare other Georgia publics before committing. Anyone unsure about finishing should treat the graduation rate as a real warning.
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.