At $8,683/yr net price, Savannah State University graduates earn $37,981/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,981/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,683 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,981/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,981/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,238/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,491/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,852/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,949/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,784/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $50,606 | $30,717 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,729 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $41,025 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $40,697 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $30,031 |
The Risk Factor
25.2% of students at Savannah State University 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
Savannah State University delivers weak financial returns despite its low net price of $8,683 annually. The 25% graduation rate creates massive risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree, while the $37,981 median earnings barely justify the cost even for graduates who finish.
Engineering technology programs offer the strongest financial prospects, with civil engineering technology graduates earning $50,606 and electrical engineering technology majors earning $47,729. Computer engineering technology and information science both hover around $41,000, providing decent returns relative to the school's low cost. Social work graduates earn $40,697 but carry $41,000 in debt, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio.
The school's biggest financial risk is its abysmal completion rate. With only one in four students graduating, you face a 75% chance of leaving with debt but no degree. The 70% retention rate suggests many students recognize this risk early and transfer elsewhere.
Savannah State works financially only if you're committed to engineering technology or computer science programs and confident you'll graduate. Georgia residents seeking an affordable HBCU experience might find value here, but the graduation statistics demand serious consideration of your academic preparedness and motivation.
Nearly 65% of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means debt levels remain manageable for those who complete degrees. However, you should have backup transfer plans given the retention and graduation challenges. The regional job market in Savannah provides opportunities in logistics, healthcare, and technology, but only if you can successfully handle to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah State University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $37,981 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $8,683 per year, Savannah State provides reasonable value for students who complete their degrees. However, the 25% graduation rate means three out of four students don't finish, which significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.
What are the best paying majors at Savannah State University?
Engineering technology programs offer the strongest earnings potential, with civil engineering technology graduates earning around $50,600 and electrical engineering technology graduates making $47,700. These programs provide solid returns that justify the investment compared to other majors at the school.
How much debt do Savannah State University students typically graduate with?
Students who graduate from Savannah State typically have $28,000 in debt. This debt level is manageable for engineering technology graduates but may be challenging for those in lower-paying fields like social work.
Does Savannah State University have a good graduation rate?
Savannah State has a 25% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating whether the school is worth attending.