Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Georgia State University vary significantly by field of study, with technology and business programs typically delivering higher earnings than liberal arts and social sciences. The analyses below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data.
Use this information to compare how different academic paths perform in the labor market post-graduation.
Analyzing 45 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify Georgia State programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and student enrollment.
#68 nationally
$77K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below organize programs by category, showing earnings, national rankings, debt levels, and enrollment for informed comparison.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Georgia State University.
Georgia State's technology programs stand out nationally with Computer Science ranking #69 and Artificial Intelligence ranking #48, both placing #2 in Georgia. These programs generate the university's highest earnings, with Computer Science graduates earning $90,238 and Artificial Intelligence graduates earning $79,310.
Substantial enrollment in both programs demonstrates strong student demand and institutional capacity. This group best suits students prioritizing high earnings potential and seeking careers in rapidly growing technology sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #68 | $90,238 |
Program outcomes reflect labor market results measured through federal College Scorecard data, which tracks graduate earnings and debt levels 2-4 years after completion. Rankings compare programs nationally within the same field, not across different disciplines. Value scores integrate earnings, debt, and enrollment to assess overall program effectiveness. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Earnings differences between programs reflect industry demand, geographic factors, and career progression patterns rather than educational quality alone. Students should consider personal interests, career goals, and long-term advancement potential alongside earnings data when evaluating academic programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $13,934 |
| 260 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #49 | $79,310 | $17,023 | 263 |
Business programs at Georgia State deliver strong outcomes across multiple specializations, with Digital Marketing achieving exceptional value scores of 85.3 and ranking #33 nationally. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn $65,600, while general Business Administration produces solid outcomes at $54,801.
Applied Economics ranks #102 nationally with graduates earning $62,063. This group offers balanced career preparation combining strong earnings potential with diverse career pathways, well-suited for students seeking versatile business skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance. | #5 | $77,407★ | — | 43 |
| Actuarial Science. | #36 | $74,253 | — | 38 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #72 | $65,600 | $14,000 | 218 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #133 | $62,731 | — | 195 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #39 | $60,715 | — | 64 |
| Digital Marketing. | #33 | $59,099 | $10,709 | 262 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #147 | $54,801 | $11,678 | 233 |
| Real Estate. | #22 | $51,013 | — | 25 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #35 | $47,051 | — | 44 |
| General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other. | #15 | $16,682 | — | 21 |
Georgia State's nursing program demonstrates solid performance with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earning $72,421 and ranking #118 nationally. The program serves 157 graduates annually, indicating focused but meaningful enrollment.
Health programs typically require additional clinical preparation and licensing, making this path ideal for students committed to healthcare careers and willing to invest in extended professional preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #122 | $72,421★ | $11,376 | 157 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #25 | $67,673 | — | 35 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.Small sample | #28 | $45,714 | — | 17 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #92 | $34,761 | — | 99 |
Biology represents Georgia State's primary science offering, ranking #150 nationally with 328 graduates earning $44,020 annually. The program demonstrates solid enrollment and provides foundation for medical school, graduate study, or direct workforce entry.
This path suits students planning advanced scientific training or seeking entry-level opportunities in biological research and healthcare support fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #157 | $54,457★ | — | 41 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #62 | $52,265 | $16,351 | 79 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #33 | $50,857 | — | 34 |
| Acoustics.Small sample | #73 | $50,281 | — | 11 |
| Biology, General. | #151 | $44,020 | $12,330 | 328 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #41 | $43,296 | $16,050 | 87 |
Social science programs show varied outcomes, with American Government and Politics ranking #98 nationally and graduates earning $48,846, while Applied Sociology produces more modest earnings at $39,594. Psychology represents the university's largest program with 482 graduates earning $40,518 annually.
These programs best serve students interested in public service, research, or graduate school preparation, where earnings may grow significantly with advanced degrees.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #103 | $62,063★ | $15,500 | 142 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #21 | $49,430 | — | 39 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #99 | $48,846 | $9,961 | 225 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #103 | $44,442 | — | 66 |
| Psychology, General. | #154 | $40,518 | $13,234 | 482 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #149 | $39,594 | $11,954 | 154 |
| Anthropology, General. | #139 | $29,264 | — | 36 |
Broadcast Journalism ranks #31 nationally with graduates earning $43,196, demonstrating competitive performance in media preparation. The program serves 207 graduates annually, providing focused training for media careers.
Communications programs typically lead to diverse career paths in journalism, media production, and corporate communications, best suited for students seeking creative and communication-focused career trajectories.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #90 | $51,612★ | — | 59 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #28 | $43,196 | $14,000 | 207 |
Cinematography and Film/Video Production stands out with exceptional national ranking at #17 and high value score of 76.1, though graduates earn $36,668. The program demonstrates Georgia State's strength in creative fields while serving 217 students annually.
These programs prioritize creative development and may lead to varied career outcomes, making them ideal for students committed to artistic expression and willing to build diverse income streams.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #21 | $50,389★ | — | 30 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #87 | $43,085 | $16,500 | 107 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #135 | $40,306 | — | 25 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #49 | $37,613 | — | 42 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #17 | $36,668 | $14,000 | 217 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #67 | $36,324 | $13,000 | 142 |
| American History (United States). | #261 | $35,645 | — | 51 |
| Brass Instruments. | #125 | $32,680 | — | 40 |
| American Sign Language (ASL).Small sample | #9 | $25,656 | — | 13 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 47K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #51 | $46,646★ | $17,122 | 106 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #53 | $40,799 | $13,863 | 138 |
Corrections Administration graduates earn $44,077 while ranking #120 nationally, serving 151 students annually. The program provides direct pathway to law enforcement and corrections careers.
This field suits students committed to public safety careers and criminal justice reform, where earnings may grow with experience and advancement to supervisory roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #120 | $44,077 | $15,822 | 151 |
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other achieves exceptional performance, ranking #22 nationally and #1 in Georgia with graduates earning $47,111. The program serves 287 students annually with a strong value score of 75.3.
This flexible approach allows students to design personalized academic paths, making it ideal for those with diverse interests or specific career goals requiring interdisciplinary preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #23 | $47,111★ | $15,000 | 287 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #93 | $14,442 | — | 16 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
