Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.7%
- Retention Rate
- 67.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,361
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,779
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $64,245 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Certificate | $61,814 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,771 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $59,858 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,898 | $21,396 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 | $27,590 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,524 | $20,324 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $27,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,363 | $35,096 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,128 | $32,434 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,433 | $23,655 |
| Social Work. | Master | $41,193 | $48,021 |
| Library Science and Administration. | Master | $40,089 | $31,554 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $25,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,369 | $32,488 |
Outcomes Overview
Valdosta State graduates earn a median salary of $49,361 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 50% with typical debt loads of $24,779. Monthly loan payments of $263 consume about 6.4% of gross income for recent graduates earning the median starting salary of $38,761. The 94.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement, particularly in education and healthcare where many VSU graduates build careers. However, the 40.83% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle with debt management despite finding work. With relatively low debt compared to earnings potential and strong employment outcomes in stable fields like teaching and nursing, Valdosta State offers an average return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.