Georgian Court University provides accessible private education with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and healthcare fields, where graduates earn substantially above the institutional average.
The university serves as an important pathway for first-generation college students seeking professional preparation in a supportive, small-college environment.
Georgian Court University is a small private nonprofit institution in Lakewood, New Jersey, that focuses on providing accessible professional education in a close-knit campus environment. With strong representation of first-generation college students at 42% and a substantial Pell Grant population at 30%, the university serves students who often are the first in their families to pursue higher education. The institution emphasizes practical, career-focused programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields where graduates see strong employment outcomes.
The university's nursing program stands out as its flagship offering, graduating 82 students annually who earn a median of $71,015 ten years after graduation. This program drives much of the institution's economic value, though outcomes vary significantly across different fields of study. Psychology, the largest program with 88 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $32,213, reflecting the diverse career paths students pursue.
As a small private college, Georgian Court provides the personalized attention and support systems that many first-generation and Pell-eligible students need to succeed. While overall earnings performance sits near national averages, the institution's strength lies in specific professional programs that prepare students for stable, in-demand careers in healthcare and education sectors.
Georgian Court University's program portfolio centers around professional preparation, with nursing serving as the clear flagship offering. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 82 students annually who earn a median of $71,015 ten years out, making it both the largest high-earning program and the institution's primary economic engine. This program benefits from strong healthcare demand in New Jersey and provides graduates with stable, well-compensated career paths.
Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 88 graduates, but earnings outcomes at $32,213 reflect the challenges many psychology majors face without additional graduate education. English Literature, with 25 graduates earning around $39,369, shows similar patterns where liberal arts preparation leads to more modest early-career earnings.
The stark difference between nursing and liberal arts outcomes highlights the importance of program selection at Georgian Court. Students focused on immediate career entry and strong earnings should prioritize the university's professional programs, particularly in healthcare fields. Those interested in psychology, English, or other liberal arts fields should carefully consider whether the debt levels align with expected earnings, or whether graduate school plans might improve long-term financial prospects.
Georgian Court University graduates earn a median of $53,096 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. The university's return on investment varies significantly by program choice, with nursing graduates achieving substantially higher earnings than peers in liberal arts or social science fields. About 35 students annually earn more than $75,000, primarily concentrated in healthcare and professional programs.
The strongest financial outcomes come from the university's nursing program, which represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $71,015 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in New Jersey and surrounding regions. In contrast, Psychology majors, despite being the largest program with 88 graduates, earn significantly less at $32,213, while English Literature graduates earn around $39,369.
Earnings performance reflects the institution's focus on professional preparation rather than broad liberal arts education. Students who choose career-focused programs, particularly in healthcare, see substantially better financial outcomes than those in general studies or humanities fields. The university's location in New Jersey provides access to healthcare systems and professional opportunities, though graduates must navigate a higher cost-of-living environment that affects purchasing power.
Georgian Court University offers relatively affordable private college pricing, with net costs that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $15,879 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,676, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,703. These price points make Georgian Court more accessible than many private institutions, though still higher than typical public university alternatives.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education more attainable for working-class families. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and 42% being first-generation college students, the institution clearly serves families where college affordability is a primary concern. The pricing structure reflects the university's mission to provide private college benefits without the premium costs associated with more selective private institutions.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $21,816 in federal student loans and families often take on an additional $21,600 in Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are manageable for nursing graduates earning over $70,000, they represent a more significant burden for graduates in lower-earning fields like psychology or liberal arts, making program choice particularly important for financial sustainability.
Georgian Court University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
