Middle Georgia State University stands out for its commitment to affordable, accessible higher education, with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
The university provides particularly strong value for first-generation students and transfers who prioritize low costs and supportive pathways to degree completion.
Middle Georgia State University ranks among Georgia's more accessible public institutions, offering affordable education with strong support for first-generation and transfer students. Located in Macon, the university serves a diverse student body where 41% receive Pell Grants and 36% are first-generation college students. While MGSU excels in affordability—with net prices well below national averages across all income levels—the institution faces challenges in long-term earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $40,863 ten years after enrollment.
The university's positioning reflects its mission as a regional institution focused on access and affordability rather than premium earnings outcomes. Students can expect manageable debt levels, with typical federal loan debt around $19,000, and strong support systems designed for students who might be the first in their families to attend college. However, families should understand that earnings potential varies significantly by program choice, with nursing and technology fields offering substantially stronger financial returns than the overall institutional average.
For students prioritizing low-cost education and accessible pathways to a bachelor's degree, MGSU provides a solid foundation. The university's transfer-friendly policies and focus on working students make it particularly valuable for non-traditional learners seeking to complete their education without excessive financial burden.
Middle Georgia State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution serving local workforce needs, with significant variation in outcomes across fields of study. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the clear standout, graduating 182 students who earn a median of $59,543 ten years out—nearly 50% above the institutional average and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals throughout Georgia. This program represents both the largest enrollment in a high-earning field and demonstrates MGSU's ability to prepare students for well-compensated careers when aligned with market demand.
Business Administration, the university's largest program with 133 graduates, produces more moderate outcomes at $38,485, roughly in line with the institutional median but below what business graduates typically earn at flagship universities. The emerging Artificial Intelligence program shows promise with 113 graduates earning $46,869, suggesting MGSU's efforts to expand into technology fields are beginning to pay dividends for students willing to pursue these newer programs.
The contrast between highest-earning and lowest-earning programs is stark, with Psychology graduates earning just $25,774—less than half what nursing graduates achieve. This pattern underscores the importance of program selection at MGSU, where career outcomes depend heavily on choosing fields with strong local job markets and competitive compensation. Students considering MGSU should carefully research employment prospects in their intended major, as the difference between high-return and low-return programs is more pronounced than at many peer institutions.
Middle Georgia State University graduates earn a median of $40,863 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This reflects the university's focus on serving regional workforce needs rather than high-earning professional fields. Graduates typically see modest earnings growth over time, with many entering stable but moderate-paying careers in education, healthcare support, business, and public service sectors.
Program choice significantly impacts earning potential at MGSU. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-return program, with 182 graduates earning a median of $59,543 ten years out—substantially above the institutional average and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Georgia. Computer and information sciences, including the emerging Artificial Intelligence program with 113 graduates earning $46,869, also provide above-average returns. Business Administration, the largest program with 133 graduates, produces more modest outcomes at $38,485, while Psychology graduates see lower earnings at $25,774.
The university's earnings profile reflects its role as a regional institution serving local and state workforce needs. While overall earnings lag behind flagship universities, graduates in healthcare and technology fields can achieve solid middle-class incomes. Students should carefully consider program selection, as the gap between highest-earning and lowest-earning majors is substantial, with nursing graduates earning more than twice what psychology graduates typically see.
Middle Georgia State University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it one of Georgia's more accessible public university options. Low-income students pay an average net price of $12,194 annually, well below national averages for public institutions. Middle-income families see costs around $14,948 per year, while even higher-income families pay a reasonable $18,331—all figures that represent solid value in today's higher education market.
Debt levels remain manageable for most MGSU students. Typical graduates leave with about $19,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that reflects both the university's affordable pricing and students' ability to cover substantial costs through grants, work, and family contributions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,370, indicating that many families can manage college costs without excessive parent debt. The university's 0% federal loan default rate suggests that graduates, despite modest earnings, can generally handle their debt obligations successfully.
What makes MGSU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable debt levels. While earnings may be modest compared to flagship universities, the debt-to-income ratio remains reasonable for most graduates. This creates a pathway to degree completion without the financial stress that can derail students at higher-cost institutions, making MGSU especially valuable for price-sensitive families and first-generation college students.
Middle Georgia State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
