At $8,918/yr net price, Gordon State College graduates earn $37,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,639/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,058/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,053/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,155/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,551/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 | $58,763 | $17,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,776 | $12,750 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,992 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,111 | $20,898 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $31,000 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $27,268 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 | $15,740 |
The Risk Factor
17.3% of students at Gordon State 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
Gordon State College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a 17% graduation rate that makes any investment risky. Your chances of completing your degree here are worse than one in five, which turns even the low $8,918 annual cost into a potential loss.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $58,763 annually against $17,500 in debt. This creates a strong return if you can handle the program successfully. Education majors face weaker prospects at $34,111 with higher debt loads of $20,898, reflecting Georgia's modest teacher pay scales.
The 48% retention rate signals academic struggles that extend beyond graduation rates. Many students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. If you need significant academic support or aren't certain about your major, this environment poses substantial financial risk.
Gordon State works financially if you're pursuing nursing, live locally to minimize housing costs, and have strong academic preparation. The low net price becomes meaningless if you don't graduate. Students needing extensive remedial coursework or those unsure about career direction should consider community college first or four-year schools with stronger support systems.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, but merit scholarships remain limited at this access-focused institution. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites efficiently and transferring to nursing as quickly as possible, as the general education programs show weak earning potential relative to time invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gordon State College worth the money?
Gordon State College offers decent value if you pursue nursing, which pays around $57,000-59,000 annually. However, the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky despite the low $8,918 net price.
What programs at Gordon State College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Gordon State College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $56,000-59,000 per year. Other majors like biology ($37,000) and education ($34,000) offer much lower returns relative to the time investment.
How much debt do Gordon State College graduates typically have?
Gordon State College graduates leave with a median debt of $17,500, which is manageable for nursing majors but problematic for lower-paying fields. The bigger concern is the 17% graduation rate, meaning most students accumulate debt without finishing.
Do Gordon State College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Gordon State College graduates earn $37,871 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. Nursing majors do significantly better at $57,000+, but other programs struggle with job placement and earnings.