Compare 29 Nursing Science. programs in Georgia. Average earnings: $71,757.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Nursing Science tells a different story. Across 29 programs, earnings range from $67,217 to $87,762—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Albany State University's Nursing Science program leads with graduates earning $87,762, well above the state average of $71,757. Clayton State University follows at $84,778, while private Reinhardt University rounds out the top three at $81,266—demonstrating that public programs dominate this field regardless of institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Dalton State College graduates borrow $12,937 and face just a 3.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader.
Highest program earnings: $87,762
Strong outcomes ($84,778) with 71% acceptance
3.2% payment burden | Excellent
5.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Albany State UniversityPublic | $87,762 | 65 | $25,024 | Excellent | $10,892 | Excellent |
| #2 | Clayton State UniversityPublic | $84,778 | 98 | $25,706 | Excellent | $12,973 | Good |
| #3 | Reinhardt UniversityPrivate | $81,266 | 33 | $23,900 | Excellent | $25,000 | Manageable |
| #4 | Georgia Gwinnett CollegePublic | $80,074 | 53 | $20,076 | Excellent | $11,267 | Excellent |
| #5 | Brenau UniversityPrivate | $78,785 | 80 | $27,000 | Excellent | $17,437 | Good |
| #6 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $78,274 | 364 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Manageable |
| #7 | Dalton State CollegePublic | $78,123 | 45 | $12,937 | Excellent | $8,848 | Excellent |
| #8 | $77,594 | 150 | $23,970 | Excellent | $15,047 | Good | |
| #9 | $76,557 | 16 | $16,750 | Excellent | $9,604 | Excellent | |
| #10 | Thomas UniversityPrivate | $75,942 | 12 | $21,198 | Excellent | $10,000 | Good |
| #11 | Georgia State UniversityPublic | $72,421 | 157 | $20,903 | Excellent | $14,837 | Good |
| #12 | $72,411 | 54 | $18,851 | Excellent | $9,000 | Good | |
| #13 | $71,422 | 227 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Manageable | |
| #14 | Mercer UniversityPrivate | $70,738 | 157 | $24,199 | Excellent | $20,000 | Manageable |
| #15 | $70,003 | 182 | $17,750 | Excellent | $12,100 | Good | |
| #16 | $69,190 | 182 | $19,000 | Excellent | $16,219 | Good | |
| #17 | $69,167 | 285 | $23,250 | Excellent | $16,000 | Manageable | |
| #18 | Shorter UniversityPrivate | $67,646 | 37 | $25,000 | Excellent | $16,793 | Manageable |
| #19 | Augusta UniversityPublic | $67,564 | 181 | $20,500 | Excellent | $15,568 | Good |
| #20 | Truett Mcconnell UniversityPrivate | $67,217 | 16 | $23,439 | Excellent | $12,500 | Good |
| #21 | $66,973 | 224 | $26,000 | Good | $13,815 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $66,492 | 108 | $22,250 | Excellent | $15,753 | Manageable | |
| #23 | Wesleyan CollegePrivate | $66,287 | 40 | $24,094 | Excellent | $16,279 | Manageable |
| #24 | Lagrange CollegePrivate | $66,024 | 40 | $25,730 | Good | $18,710 | Manageable |
| #25 | $65,768 | 68 | $24,779 | Excellent | $19,136 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
