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 gives you a middling financial return that swings hard on your major. At a net price around $15,450 a year, the typical graduate earns just under $50,000 a decade after enrolling, and carries about $24,000 in debt. That debt is manageable on a nursing or computer science salary and much less so on anything in business.
Nursing and computer science are the two majors that clearly pay off here. Both clear $65,000, enough to cover the school's debt load without stress. Everything else on the earnings list sits below the school median. Finance graduates earn about $43,600, accounting about $42,700, and business administration lands at $38,900 while still leaving you with roughly $24,000 in debt. That business degree is the weakest deal on the list: the lowest pay paired with near-top borrowing.
The real risk at West Georgia is finishing at all. Only 43% of students graduate, and about a quarter don't return after freshman year. If you borrow, start a business or general studies track, and then leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the salary bump. That's the worst outcome, and it happens to a lot of people here.
This school fits you if you're committed to nursing or CS and want a low sticker price. If your family earns under $48,000, your net price drops to around $13,000 a year, which makes the math work even on a modest post-graduation salary. Above $110,000, you'll pay closer to $19,000, and a business degree at that price is a thin return.
Pick a high-earning major and finish, and West Georgia pays for itself. Drift into a general track or drop out mid-way, and it doesn't.
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.