At $20,893/yr net price, Piedmont University graduates earn $49,130/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,130/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,893 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,130/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,130/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,494/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,125/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,980/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,397/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,251/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $72,134 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $60,481 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,047 | $23,906 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,192 | $26,925 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $42,615 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,342 | $17,832 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,140 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,648 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,249 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
41.5% of students at Piedmont 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
Piedmont University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The median graduate earns $49,130 ten years after graduation, which provides reasonable returns on the $20,893 annual net price, but your program selection makes all the difference.
Education programs offer the strongest financial outcomes at Piedmont. Educational administration graduates earn $72,134 annually, while curriculum and instruction majors make $60,481. The nursing program also performs well with $57,047 median earnings and manageable debt of $23,906. These programs align well with Georgia's job market and justify the investment.
However, the 41.5% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly six out of ten students leave without a degree, meaning you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without the credential needed for career advancement. The $25,000 median debt load becomes particularly problematic if you don't complete your program.
Piedmont works best for students committed to education or nursing careers who can handle the academic demands successfully. The school's regional focus serves these fields well in North Georgia. You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major, considering non-education fields, or have concerns about academic persistence.
Financial aid reaches only 41.45% of students, suggesting merit scholarships may be limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-earning programs like educational administration or nursing, and ensuring you have the academic preparation to graduate within four years. The combination of modest costs and strong outcomes in specific programs can work, but only if you pick the right major and finish your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Piedmont University worth the money?
Piedmont University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $49,130 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $20,893 annually. The 41.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Piedmont University?
Educational Administration leads Piedmont's earnings at $72,134, followed by Curriculum and Instruction at $60,481. These graduate-level education programs offer the strongest financial returns, while undergraduate teaching programs average around $42,000-$47,000.
How much debt do Piedmont University graduates have?
Piedmont graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with starting salaries around $49,000, graduates should expect loan payments to consume a significant portion of early career income.
Should I choose Piedmont University over other Georgia schools?
Piedmont's low graduation rate and modest earnings make it a risky choice compared to other Georgia institutions. Only consider Piedmont if you're specifically interested in their education programs or receive substantial financial aid.