At $11,696/yr net price, Georgia Gwinnett College graduates earn $47,730/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,730/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,696 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,730/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,730/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,076 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,362/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,832/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,810/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,240/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,320 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $40,821 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,909 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,549 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $18,369 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $20,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
19.8% of students at Georgia Gwinnett 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
Georgia Gwinnett College delivers weak financial returns despite its low sticker price. The median graduate earns just $47,730 ten years after enrollment, barely justifying the $11,696 annual net cost when you factor in the abysmal 19.8% graduation rate.
Computer science stands out as the only program worth your investment, with graduates earning $60,320 annually. This major alone makes the college financially viable if you can complete it. All other programs underperform badly. Special education graduates earn $40,821, while criminal justice and general business majors struggle with earnings under $40,000. Education majors face particularly poor prospects at $37,856 despite carrying nearly $18,400 in debt.
The biggest financial risk is simply not finishing. With fewer than one in five students graduating, you face high odds of accumulating debt without a degree. The 68.8% retention rate signals serious academic support problems that could derail your progress.
This school works financially only if you plan to major in computer science and have strong academic preparation to avoid the completion trap. The low net price makes it accessible for Georgia residents who need an affordable option, but the poor outcomes mean you should seriously consider community college transfer pathways or other four-year institutions with better graduation rates.
Georgia Gwinnett does keep debt loads reasonable, with typical graduates owing around $20,000. However, half of students receive financial aid, suggesting the published net price may not reflect your actual costs if your family income exceeds aid thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia Gwinnett College worth the cost?
Georgia Gwinnett College offers decent value with a low net price of $11,696 annually and graduates earning $47,730 after 10 years. However, the extremely low graduation rate of 19.8% means most students don't complete their degree, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Georgia Gwinnett College?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn the highest at $60,320 annually, while most other programs pay closer to $40,000. Education and criminal justice programs show significantly lower returns despite requiring similar time and cost investments.
How much student debt do Georgia Gwinnett College graduates have?
Georgia Gwinnett College graduates carry a median debt of $20,076, which is manageable given the school's low costs. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for computer science graduates but becomes concerning for lower-paying education and criminal justice majors.
What is the biggest risk of attending Georgia Gwinnett College?
The 19.8% graduation rate means 4 out of 5 students never finish their degree but may still accumulate debt and lost time. Students should have strong academic preparation and clear career goals before enrolling.