At $19,313/yr net price, Thomas University graduates earn $49,716/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,716/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,313 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,716/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,716/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,198 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,397/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,499/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. | Master | $72,796 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $18,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,839 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,087 | $34,167 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $39,800 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,637 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $24,250 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $22,755 |
The Risk Factor
27.8% of students at Thomas 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
Thomas University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a 28% graduation rate that creates enormous risk for your investment. The $19,313 annual net price leads to median earnings of just $49,716 after ten years, making this one of the weaker ROI propositions in Georgia higher education.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear exception, generating $73,000 in median earnings and justifying the cost. Clinical laboratory science also performs well at $64,493 with manageable debt of $18,750. These healthcare tracks represent your best bet for positive returns at Thomas University.
Avoid education and criminal justice programs entirely. Education graduates earn $46,087 while carrying $34,167 in debt, and criminal justice majors face even worse outcomes at $38,289 in earnings with nearly $40,000 in debt. The low retention rate of 64% signals that many students struggle to complete their programs, amplifying your risk of leaving with debt but no degree.
This school works financially only if you can secure admission to nursing or laboratory science programs and have strong confidence in your ability to graduate. The regional job market in South Georgia supports healthcare careers but offers limited opportunities for other fields. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, though the school lacks significant merit scholarship opportunities that could improve the value equation.
Most prospective students should consider Georgia's public universities or community college transfer pathways instead. Thomas University's combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings outcomes across most programs makes it a risky financial choice for the majority of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas University worth the cost?
Thomas University's return on investment varies significantly by major. Nursing and medical lab science graduates earn $60,000-73,000 annually, making the $19,313 yearly cost worthwhile, but education and criminal justice majors face weaker job prospects with starting salaries around $38,000-46,000.
What is Thomas University's graduation rate and job outcomes?
Thomas University has a 28% graduation rate, which is concerning for investment value. However, graduates who complete nursing or clinical lab science programs typically see strong earnings that justify the cost and debt load.
How much debt do Thomas University students graduate with?
Thomas University graduates carry a median debt of $21,198, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning $60,000+ but creates financial strain for education and criminal justice majors earning under $47,000. The debt-to-income ratio depends heavily on your chosen program.
Which Thomas University programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Thomas University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $61,000-73,000 annually. Clinical and medical laboratory science also pays well at $64,493, while education and criminal justice programs offer weaker financial returns.