Students at Georgia College & State University achieve earnings that place the institution in the top quarter nationally among public universities, reflecting strong career preparation across health sciences, education, and professional programs.
Graduates benefit from reliable outcomes and manageable debt levels that align well with the university's solid long-term earning potential.
Georgia College & State University ranks among the top quarter of public universities nationwide for long-term earnings outcomes, reflecting its strong focus on career-oriented programs and student success. Located in historic Milledgeville, this medium-sized public university combines the personal attention of a smaller institution with the resources and recognition of the University System of Georgia. The university serves a relatively selective student body, with about 16% of students receiving Pell Grants and 20% being first-generation college students.
What distinguishes Georgia College is its consistent ability to prepare graduates for well-paying careers across multiple fields. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,140, placing the institution well above average among public universities for long-term financial outcomes. The university's strength lies particularly in health sciences, where nursing graduates achieve some of the highest earnings, and in professional programs that connect directly to Georgia's growing economy.
As an "Opportunity Builder" institution, Georgia College focuses on converting access into meaningful career advancement. While it serves fewer low-income students than many public universities, those who do attend see solid graduation rates and competitive earnings outcomes. The university's combination of academic quality, reasonable costs, and strong alumni networks makes it a reliable choice for families seeking predictable returns on their higher education investment.
Georgia College's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that connect directly to Georgia's economy. Health sciences anchor the university's strongest outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing producing 108 graduates who earn around $61,096 ten years out, making it both a large program and the highest aggregate return major. This combination of scale and earnings power makes nursing a cornerstone of the university's value proposition.
Technology and business programs also deliver strong returns, though with smaller enrollment numbers. Computer Support Specialist graduates earn approximately $62,012, representing some of the highest individual earnings among the university's programs. These technical fields benefit from Georgia's growing technology sector and provide graduates with portable skills that translate well across different markets.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 124 graduates, though earnings are more variable at $26,353, reflecting the diverse career paths available in fitness, recreation, and allied health. Biology, while showing lower early-career earnings at $27,536, often serves as preparation for graduate school in health professions, where long-term earning potential increases significantly. This program mix demonstrates Georgia College's commitment to both immediate career preparation and foundational education for advanced study.
Georgia College & State University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $58,140, placing the university in the top quarter nationally for earnings among public institutions. This performance reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and its success in preparing students for Georgia's professional job market, particularly in health sciences, education, and business fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its health science programs, with Adult Health Nursing leading the way. Nursing graduates, representing 108 students in recent cohorts, earn around $61,096 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate return of any program. Computer Support Specialist graduates also see excellent outcomes at roughly $62,012, though with smaller enrollment numbers. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program by enrollment with 124 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $26,353, reflecting the diverse career paths in fitness, recreation, and allied health that this major supports.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, professional preparation across health sciences, education, and business fields. This focus on career-ready disciplines helps explain why Georgia College graduates consistently outperform many peer institutions in long-term earnings, even as the university maintains reasonable costs and broad accessibility for Georgia residents.
Georgia College & State University offers solid affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income Georgia families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $13,152 annually, which is reasonable for a quality public university, while middle-income families see costs around $18,262 per year. Even higher-income families pay a manageable $21,140 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible across income levels.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $22,250 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,000. These amounts are well-aligned with the university's strong earnings outcomes, as graduates earning a median of $58,140 can comfortably manage standard loan repayment schedules. The university also maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully transition into careers that support their debt obligations.
What makes Georgia College particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is the predictable cost structure and reliable outcomes. Families can plan confidently knowing that the investment will likely pay off through solid career preparation and competitive earnings, while debt levels remain manageable relative to the long-term financial benefits of a Georgia College degree.
Georgia College & State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
