At $12,052/yr net price, Georgia Southwestern State University graduates earn $48,757/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,757/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,052 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,757/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,757/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,851 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,602/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,031/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,237/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,813/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,617/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. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $18,750 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 | $18,107 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,635 | $23,532 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,021 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $20,625 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,914 | $16,499 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,053 | $22,241 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $25,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
The Risk Factor
31.9% of students at Georgia Southwestern State University 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 Southwestern State University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With a 32% graduation rate and median earnings of just $48,757 ten years after enrollment, your chances of completing your degree and earning a decent living are both below average.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $63,005 in median earnings with reasonable debt levels at $18,750. Computer Science and Business Administration also provide solid returns above $52,000 annually. These three programs justify the cost at Georgia Southwestern.
Education majors face particularly poor financial prospects. Teacher Education graduates earn just $44,635 while carrying $23,532 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Special Education pays even less at $44,021. Given Georgia's below-average teacher salaries, these programs represent poor investments.
The school's low retention rate of 64% signals that many students struggle academically or financially. If you're not strongly committed to one of the higher-paying programs, you face significant risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Georgia Southwestern works financially if you can get into Nursing, Computer Science, or Business and have the academic preparation to complete your degree. The low net price of $12,052 makes it affordable compared to other options. However, students considering education or liberal arts majors should look elsewhere, particularly at universities with stronger job placement records and higher graduation rates. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings makes this school unsuitable for students who need financial aid or cannot afford to risk dropping out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia Southwestern State University worth the cost?
Georgia Southwestern State University offers poor overall value with graduates earning only $48,757 ten years after enrollment, well below the national average. The 32% graduation rate means most students don't finish, though the low net price of $12,052 limits financial damage for those who do graduate.
What are the best paying majors at Georgia Southwestern State University?
Nursing programs at Georgia Southwestern State University provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $63,000 annually. Computer Science graduates earn $53,358, while education majors typically earn in the low $40,000s, which may not justify the degree cost.
How much debt do Georgia Southwestern State University graduates have?
Georgia Southwestern State University graduates carry a median debt of $18,851, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings of $48,757, even this modest debt load creates financial strain for many graduates.
Does Georgia Southwestern State University have a good graduation rate?
Georgia Southwestern State University has a concerning 32% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. This creates significant risk of accumulating debt without the benefit of completing a program.