At $10,102/yr net price, Georgia State University-Perimeter College graduates earn $47,384/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,384/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,102 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,384/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,384/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,903 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,987/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,446/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,898/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,451/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,247/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. | Associate | $63,203 | $21,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,439 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,259 | $13,476 |
The Risk Factor
22.2% of students at Georgia State University-Perimeter 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 State University-Perimeter College offers mixed returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $63,203 annually against modest debt levels, while liberal arts majors face a difficult financial reality with earnings of just $28,259.
Your biggest risk at Perimeter College is the 22% graduation rate. This means nearly 8 out of 10 students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with self-direction or need significant academic support, this environment may not suit you financially.
The school works best for focused students pursuing specific career paths like nursing or dental support services. These programs connect directly to Atlanta's strong healthcare job market and justify the investment. Liberal arts students should consider transferring to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere, as associate-level humanities credentials offer limited earning potential.
At $10,102 annually, costs stay manageable for Georgia residents, but only if you graduate on time. The relatively low debt burden of $20,903 becomes problematic when spread across multiple years of study or paired with low-earning majors.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit aid opportunities appear minimal given the community college structure. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-demand program, maintaining full-time enrollment, and having a clear transfer plan if pursuing further education.
Consider Perimeter College if you need affordable healthcare training in the Atlanta area or require flexible scheduling for career programs. Look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or plan to study liberal arts without a transfer strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia State University-Perimeter College worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $63,203 annually with $20,903 in debt, making it worthwhile. Liberal arts majors earn just $28,259, which creates a poor return on investment even at the low $10,102 annual cost.
What is the graduation rate at Georgia State University-Perimeter College and does it affect ROI?
Only 22% of students graduate, which is extremely low and significantly hurts the school's value proposition. Students who don't finish still accumulate debt but miss out on the degree premium that justifies the cost.
Which programs at Georgia State University-Perimeter College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns with graduates earning $63,203 annually. Dental support services also pay well at $50,439. Liberal arts and general studies majors face poor earning potential at $28,259.
How much debt do Georgia State University-Perimeter College graduates typically have?
Median debt is $20,903, which is manageable for nursing graduates but problematic for liberal arts majors earning $28,259. The debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by program choice.