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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky for most majors. The median graduate earns just under what you'd need to comfortably service the debt you take on, and a 41.5% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish. If you leave without the degree but keep the loans, the math turns bad fast.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing is the one program that clearly pays off, clearing $57,000 while carrying lower debt than most other paths at the school. Business and criminal justice land in the low $40,000s, workable but not generous for private-school pricing. Teacher education and psychology are the weak spots: both leave you around the mid-$30,000s while stacking up $25,000 or more in debt. Choosing psychology over nursing at this same school costs you more than $23,000 a year in earnings.
The biggest risk is paying private-college tuition for an outcome that doesn't require it. Piedmont's net price runs above $20,000 a year, and the median debt load isn't extreme, but it only works if you graduate into a job that clears the low $40,000s. The 77% retention rate says roughly one in four of you won't come back for year two.
Families earning under $48,000 actually pay less here, around $17,000, than higher-income families who pay closer to $24,000. If you're a nursing student from a lower-income household, Piedmont can pencil out. If you're aiming at teaching, psychology, or a general degree and paying the full sticker, a cheaper public option in Georgia will likely leave you with the same salary and less debt.
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.