Students at College of Coastal Georgia benefit from exceptionally affordable net prices that make college accessible regardless of family income level.
The institution provides a clear pathway to degree completion for first-generation and Pell-eligible students at costs well below typical public university levels.
College of Coastal Georgia serves as an accessible public institution that prioritizes affordability over premium earnings outcomes. While Azimuth ranks the college in the lower tier nationally for overall value, it delivers meaningful strengths in cost management and student access that matter for many Georgia families. The institution enrolls a substantial share of first-generation students (38%) and Pell recipients (41%), demonstrating its commitment to serving students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
The college's financial profile reflects this mission. Net prices remain well below national averages across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $10,793 annually and middle-income families facing costs around $14,440. While 10-year median earnings of $39,318 place graduates in the bottom quartile nationally, the institution's debt levels stay modest, with typical federal loan balances around $15,039.
As a medium-sized public college in Brunswick, Georgia, College of Coastal Georgia functions as a regional institution focused on practical degree programs and local workforce development. The college offers a straightforward path to a bachelor's degree without the complexity or expense of larger research universities, making it a sensible choice for students who value predictable costs and a supportive campus environment over maximum earning potential.
College of Coastal Georgia's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution focused on practical career preparation. The college's three main areas of strength show distinct earning patterns that help students understand their financial prospects by field of study.
Nursing stands out as the college's premium program, with 42 graduates earning around $54,880 early in their careers—nearly double the institutional average and well above regional norms for healthcare roles. This program represents the clearest path to above-average earnings and demonstrates the college's ability to prepare students for in-demand healthcare positions throughout coastal Georgia.
Business/Commerce General, the college's largest program with 76 graduates, produces more modest outcomes around $31,133 but offers the broadest career flexibility and enrollment capacity. Adult and Continuing Education, with 30 graduates earning approximately $35,060, serves students seeking education-focused careers and represents the college's commitment to non-traditional learners.
These three programs capture the college's practical approach to workforce development, emphasizing stable career preparation over high-growth fields. Students choosing nursing can expect significantly stronger financial outcomes, while business and education majors should anticipate more moderate but steady earning potential that aligns with the regional job market.
Graduates of College of Coastal Georgia face more modest long-term earnings compared with most public institutions. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $39,318, placing the college in the bottom 17% nationally for graduate earnings. This reflects both the institution's regional focus and its concentration in fields that typically offer stable but moderate compensation rather than high-growth career tracks.
The college's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, where graduates earn around $54,880 early in their careers, significantly above the institutional average. Business majors, the largest program with 76 graduates, see more typical earnings around $31,133, while Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn approximately $35,060. These programs represent the core of the college's degree output, with nursing providing the clearest path to above-average earnings and business offering the broadest enrollment opportunity.
While earnings lag behind state and national averages, graduates benefit from Georgia's moderate cost of living, which helps stretch their income further than similar salaries might in higher-cost regions. The college's focus on practical, career-oriented programs means most graduates enter stable employment, even if the financial upside remains limited compared with more research-intensive institutions.
College of Coastal Georgia stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of $10,793 annually, well below what most public institutions charge, while middle-income families face costs around $14,440 per year. Even high-income families pay just $16,608, making the college accessible to a broad range of Georgia residents regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with about $15,039 in federal student loans. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,125, a modest level that reflects both the college's affordable sticker price and families' ability to cover costs through grants, work, and savings rather than extensive borrowing. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings.
What makes the college particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between its low costs and realistic earnings expectations. While graduates don't achieve premium salaries, their debt burdens remain proportional to their income potential, creating a manageable financial equation that works for students focused on degree completion and career stability rather than maximum return on investment.
College Of Coastal Georgia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
