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 gives you a mixed financial picture: modest median earnings and a graduation rate that barely clears half, offset by low debt and a net price under $16,000 a year. Your biggest risk here is finishing at all. With a 53.7% graduation rate, close to half of enrolled students leave without a degree but can still carry the debt, and a degree is what makes the earnings numbers work.
The payoff splits sharply by major. Computer science graduates out-earn the school's median by more than $20,000 a year, and nursing pays off strongly given Atlanta's large hospital market. Both carry debt in line with the school average, so the return is real. Below those, the gap narrows fast. The lowest program on the top-earnings list still beats the school-wide median, which tells you the majors not listed here are pulling that median down. If you enroll without aiming for computing, health, or a comparable field, expect earnings closer to $47,000 and a slower path to paying off your loans.
The net price tiers are gentle at the bottom and reasonable at the top. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $13,552 a year. over $110,000, about $20,338. That $7,000 spread is smaller than at many schools, and even the top tier stays affordable for a four-year public degree.
This school fits you if you're targeting computer science, nursing, or another health field and can commit to finishing. The low debt load means even a middling salary won't bury you. Look elsewhere if you're unsure of your major or worried about staying enrolled, because the value here depends entirely on graduating in a field that pays.
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.