At $15,450/yr net price, University of West Georgia graduates earn $49,587/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,587/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,450 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,587/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,587/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,970 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,779/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,345/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,015/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,909/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,101/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $87,604 | $28,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 | $24,976 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $66,915 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,870 | $23,015 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $26,911 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,343 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,943 | $22,800 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $55,286 | $21,320 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,856 |
The Risk Factor
42.7% of students at University of West Georgia 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
University of West Georgia delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $49,587 ten years after graduation paired with a concerning 43% graduation rate. The numbers reveal a school where fewer than half of students complete their degrees, creating significant financial risk for your investment.
Your major choice makes all the difference here. Nursing programs generate strong returns with graduates earning $66,870 to $84,653 annually, while education specialties can reach $87,604 for certain tracks. Computer science also performs well at $66,915. However, the majority of other programs likely produce earnings well below the median, given how these top performers skew the average upward.
The biggest red flag is the graduation rate. With nearly 6 in 10 students failing to graduate, you face substantial risk of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The $23,970 median debt load becomes dangerous if you join the majority who don't finish.
UWG works financially if you pursue nursing, education, or computer science and have strong academic habits that make graduation likely. The $15,450 annual net price keeps costs manageable for these high-earning programs. However, if you're considering other majors or struggle academically, look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in most programs creates poor odds for financial success.
With only 42% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a proven program and focusing intensely on graduation, since that's where most UWG students stumble financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of West Georgia worth the cost?
University of West Georgia offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,450 per year and moderate debt levels around $24,000. However, the 43% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion risks for many students.
What programs at University of West Georgia have the best ROI?
Education and nursing programs at University of West Georgia show strong returns, with education graduates earning around $87,000 annually. Computer science also performs well at nearly $67,000, while general programs may offer weaker financial outcomes.
How much debt do University of West Georgia graduates typically have?
University of West Georgia graduates carry a median debt of $23,970, which is manageable given the school's affordable tuition. This debt level is reasonable for graduates in higher-paying fields like education and nursing.
What are the job prospects after graduating from University of West Georgia?
University of West Georgia graduates earn a median of $49,587 ten years after graduation, which is modest compared to national averages. Strong job markets exist for education and healthcare graduates, but other fields may offer limited earning potential.