At $15,931/yr net price, Georgia State University 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) | $15,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,384/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,384/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.7% |
| 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 | $13,552/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,546/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,219/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,421/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,338/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $95,739 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $95,473 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $92,358 | $50,417 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $91,744 | $30,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,539 | $32,500 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $89,305 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $86,129 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Doctoral | $77,401 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $21,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,858 | $79,533 |
The Risk Factor
53.7% of students at Georgia 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
Georgia State University delivers solid financial returns despite a concerning graduation rate that puts your investment at risk. The school's location in Atlanta creates strong earning potential across multiple fields, with health administration and business graduates commanding salaries well above the national average.
Business majors face a trade-off at Georgia State. While general business graduates earn over $92,000 annually, they carry median debt of $50,417, creating a hefty loan burden that offsets some earning gains. Computer science offers better debt-to-income ratios with $91,744 salaries against $30,750 in debt. Nursing graduates also see strong returns with manageable debt loads.
The 53.7% graduation rate represents Georgia State's biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees while potentially accumulating debt. The 78% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year, making your college choice critical if you need additional academic support.
Georgia State works best for students who can handle large university environments and take advantage of Atlanta's job market connections. The relatively low net price makes it accessible, but you need realistic academic preparation to avoid becoming part of the 46% who don't graduate.
Students considering expensive majors should look closely at debt loads. Business programs may saddle you with twice the typical debt, while STEM fields offer better financial protection. If you're academically prepared and targeting high-earning fields like healthcare or technology, Georgia State provides strong ROI. Students needing intensive support or those unsure about major choice face higher financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia State University worth the cost?
Georgia State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,931 and moderate debt levels at $20,903. However, graduates earn $47,384 ten years out, which is below average for college graduates, making ROI heavily dependent on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at Georgia State University?
Health administration and educational administration graduates earn around $95,000, making these Georgia State's strongest ROI programs. Business and computer science majors also perform well with earnings over $90,000, while other programs may struggle to justify the investment.
How much debt do Georgia State University graduates have?
Georgia State graduates carry a median debt of $20,903, which is manageable compared to many universities. The relatively low cost and debt load help offset the below-average earnings for most programs.
Does Georgia State University have good job outcomes?
Georgia State's 53.7% graduation rate indicates completion challenges for many students. While top programs in health administration and business show strong earnings, the overall graduate outcomes are mixed given the modest average salary of $47,384.