At $16,531/yr net price, Georgia Southern University graduates earn $53,236/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,236/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,531 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,236/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,236/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,139/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,922/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,475/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,776/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,259/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,867 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $72,134 | $55,423 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $73,706 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Master | $66,821 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,506 | $23,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 | $29,659 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $64,608 | $24,225 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $20,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,203 | $24,375 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Georgia Southern 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
Georgia Southern University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in healthcare and education but weaker performance across many other programs. Your median debt of $23,250 is reasonable, but the 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $92,632 annually against modest debt loads. Educational administration and curriculum instruction also pay well, though curriculum instruction comes with higher debt at $55,423. Rehabilitation programs earn $69,338 but saddle you with $73,706 in debt, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio.
The biggest risk at Georgia Southern is program selection. While top programs perform well, many majors likely struggle in the rural Georgia job market where opportunities outside education and healthcare remain limited. The relatively low overall median earnings of $53,236 suggest weaker outcomes in business, liberal arts, and other popular majors.
Georgia Southern works best if you plan to stay in rural Georgia or small Southern cities where your degree carries regional recognition. Teachers and nurses will find solid career paths, but students eyeing corporate careers or tech jobs should consider schools with stronger alumni networks in major metropolitan areas.
The 35% financial aid rate is lower than many public universities, but Georgia residents benefit from in-state tuition. Merit scholarships exist but are competitive. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and graduating on time, since the 77% retention rate indicates academic support systems that can keep you on track if you engage with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia Southern University worth the cost?
Georgia Southern's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $53,236 after 10 years while carrying median debt of $23,250. The value depends heavily on your major, as nursing and education programs show strong earnings potential while other programs lag behind.
What are the highest paying majors at Georgia Southern University?
Nursing programs at Georgia Southern lead earnings with registered nursing graduates making $92,632 and nursing administration reaching $86,867. Educational administration ($86,867) and curriculum instruction ($72,134) also provide solid returns compared to the school's overall graduate median of $53,236.
How much student debt do Georgia Southern University graduates have?
Georgia Southern graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable compared to many universities. With the average graduate earning $53,236 annually, most borrowers should be able to handle their loan payments.
Does Georgia Southern University have good job placement rates?
Georgia Southern's 52% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The school's high acceptance rate (89%) means it admits students who may not be academically prepared for college-level work.