Students at Georgia State University earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
The university's exceptional mobility outcomes demonstrate how broad access can translate into meaningful economic advancement for graduates from all backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks Georgia State University among the top public institutions nationwide for economic mobility, reflecting the university's exceptional ability to serve students from diverse backgrounds while delivering strong long-term outcomes. More than half of GSU students receive Pell Grants, and about 32% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently earn more than similar students at other institutions—a testament to the university's effectiveness as an engine of upward mobility.
Georgia State's location in downtown Atlanta provides students with extensive internship and career opportunities across finance, technology, healthcare, and media industries. The university combines the resources of a large research institution with a clear commitment to student success, particularly for underrepresented populations. Graduates earn a median of $47,384 ten years after enrollment, with many programs leading directly into Atlanta's thriving job market.
What makes Georgia State distinctive is how it transforms access into achievement. As a designated "Mobility Engine," the university doesn't just open its doors widely—it ensures that students from all backgrounds, including those from low-income families, achieve meaningful economic advancement. This combination of broad accessibility, urban opportunity, and proven outcomes makes Georgia State a standout choice among large public research universities in the Southeast.
Georgia State University's program portfolio reflects Atlanta's diverse economy, with particular strength in fields that lead directly to well-paying careers. Computer Science stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-return program, graduating 260 students annually with median earnings of $69,338—a combination that makes it the university's highest aggregate-return major. The program benefits from Atlanta's growing technology sector and provides graduates with access to both local opportunities and national tech markets.
Nursing programs deliver some of the strongest early-career outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning around $63,143 in a field with excellent job security and growth prospects. Psychology represents the university's largest program with 482 graduates, reflecting student interest in behavioral sciences and the program's role as preparation for graduate study or entry into various professional fields.
Even programs with more modest early earnings, like Cinematography and Film Production, benefit from Georgia State's location in a major media market. Atlanta's film and television industry provides internship and career opportunities that may not be reflected in early-career salary data but offer long-term potential for creative professionals. The university's broad program mix ensures students can find pathways that align with both their interests and career goals while benefiting from Atlanta's economic diversity.
Georgia State University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings with particularly strong performance relative to expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $47,384, and the university delivers one of the most significant earnings advantages in the country—graduates earn nearly $14,000 more than similar students at other institutions. This earnings beyond expectations performance places Georgia State among the top tier of public universities for long-term financial outcomes.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 260 graduates with impressive median earnings of $69,338. Psychology represents the largest program with 482 graduates earning around $27,645, while Adult Health Nursing delivers some of the strongest early-career outcomes at $63,143. Even programs like Cinematography, while showing more modest earnings at $25,194, benefit from Atlanta's robust media and entertainment industry.
Georgia State's strength lies in preparing students for careers that continue to pay dividends over time. The university's location in Atlanta—a major hub for technology, finance, healthcare, and business services—means graduates enter a job market with substantial upward mobility potential. Many students move into roles that see steady salary growth throughout their careers, contributing to the university's exceptional earnings beyond expectations performance.
Georgia State University offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay about $13,552 per year in net price, which is competitive among large research universities, while middle-income families see annual costs around $17,219. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $20,338, making Georgia State accessible across income levels without the premium pricing often seen at flagship institutions.
The university's financial aid approach helps keep costs manageable while maintaining quality. Most students who borrow graduate with federal loan debt of about $20,903, a moderate level that aligns well with the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,962, reflecting families' confidence in the investment while keeping parent debt at sustainable levels for most households.
What makes Georgia State particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is the strong return on investment students see. With graduates earning nearly $14,000 more than expected compared with similar institutions, the university delivers exceptional value for the price. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong earnings outcomes creates a compelling financial proposition for families seeking both access and long-term economic benefit.
Georgia State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
