Students from low-income backgrounds at Augusta University achieve remarkable financial success, earning more than 90% of similar students nationwide and demonstrating one of the strongest economic mobility outcomes among public institutions.
The university's focus on health sciences and practical career preparation creates clear pathways to stable, well-paying employment for students from all backgrounds.
Augusta University ranks as a strong public institution in Georgia, delivering exceptional value particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. As a designated "Mobility Engine," the university combines broad access with outstanding upward mobility outcomes, serving 38% Pell Grant recipients and 28% first-generation students while achieving some of the strongest low-income earnings results in the nation.
What distinguishes Augusta University is its focus on health sciences and professional programs that translate directly into stable, well-paying careers. The university's nursing programs alone graduate 181 students annually with median earnings of $61,888 ten years out, while emerging fields like artificial intelligence show strong early-career potential at nearly $59,000. This practical orientation helps explain why low-income graduates earn $63,500 at the ten-year mark, placing the institution in the top 10% nationally for low-income student outcomes.
As a medium-sized public university, Augusta University offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the program breadth and clinical partnerships essential for health professions. The combination of affordable net prices, strong graduation rates, and career-focused academics makes it particularly valuable for Georgia families seeking reliable pathways to economic advancement through higher education.
Augusta University's program portfolio centers on health sciences and practical career preparation, with nursing serving as the institution's flagship offering. Adult Health Nursing graduates 181 students annually with strong median earnings of $61,888, making it both the largest and most economically valuable program. This concentration in nursing reflects Augusta's deep clinical partnerships and reputation in Georgia's healthcare sector, where graduates find ready employment in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities.
Emerging programs show promise for future growth and earnings potential. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 43 graduates, demonstrates strong early-career outcomes at $58,943, positioning Augusta at the forefront of technical education in Georgia. Psychology remains popular with 72 graduates but shows more modest earnings at $21,964, typical for foundational programs that often lead to graduate study or diverse career paths.
The university's program mix reflects a practical, career-focused approach that prioritizes employment outcomes over academic prestige. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 71 graduates earning $31,495, represents the institution's commitment to health-related fields beyond nursing. This concentration in health sciences, combined with selective expansion into high-demand technical areas, creates a portfolio designed to deliver reliable career outcomes and economic mobility for students from diverse backgrounds.
Augusta University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $48,472 ten years after enrollment. While overall earnings performance sits near the national average, the university's strength lies in its ability to deliver exceptional results for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those pursuing health-focused careers. The institution's practical, career-oriented approach helps students translate their education into stable employment and meaningful income growth.
The university's program portfolio centers heavily on health sciences, which drives much of its economic value. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest and highest-return program, graduating 181 students annually with median earnings of $61,888 ten years out. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 43 graduates, shows strong early-career potential at $58,943, reflecting Augusta's expansion into high-demand technical fields. Psychology remains popular with 72 graduates but shows more modest earnings at $21,964, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn around $31,495.
The university's health sciences focus creates clear pathways to stable, well-compensated careers in nursing, allied health, and medical support roles. These programs benefit from strong clinical partnerships and direct employer relationships in Georgia's healthcare sector, helping graduates secure positions that offer both immediate earning potential and long-term career advancement opportunities.
Augusta University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Georgia families. Low-income students pay approximately $10,597 annually in net price, well below national averages for public institutions, while middle-income families face costs around $13,829 per year. Even higher-income families see reasonable net prices at $16,901, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Augusta University students. Typical graduates leave with about $20,500 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the career outcomes the university delivers, particularly in health sciences. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,696, reflecting families' willingness to invest in programs with clear career pathways and strong earning potential.
The university's affordability story is strengthened by its focus on practical, career-oriented programs that lead directly to employment. Students in nursing and health sciences can anticipate strong early-career earnings that make debt repayment comfortable, while the institution's overall approach to financial aid helps keep borrowing levels reasonable relative to expected outcomes.
Augusta University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
