Students at the University of West Georgia achieve earnings that exceed expectations by about $3,300 compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add value beyond what demographics alone would predict.
The combination of broad access, reasonable costs, and zero loan defaults creates a sustainable pathway to degree completion for many first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
The University of West Georgia serves as a regional public university that prioritizes access and affordability for Georgia students. Located in Carrollton, UWG enrolls a substantial share of first-generation college students (32%) and Pell Grant recipients (42%), reflecting its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains moderate net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $12,779 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of approximately $16,015.
While UWG's overall earnings outcomes place it in the lower tier nationally, the institution demonstrates particular strength in specific programs like nursing, where graduates earn significantly above the university average. The university's mobility quadrant designation as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects both its broad access mission and the financial constraints that can limit resources for student support services. However, UWG provides a pathway to degree completion for many students who might not otherwise attend college, with graduation rates that, while modest, represent meaningful educational mobility for its student population.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over prestige, UWG offers a practical route to a bachelor's degree with manageable debt levels and strong regional employer connections, particularly in fields like business, education, and healthcare.
The University of West Georgia's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving practical career fields. Nursing stands out as the institution's strongest financial performer, with 150 graduates earning a median of $66,870 ten years out, significantly above the university average and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Georgia. This program represents UWG's highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with excellent earnings outcomes.
Business Administration dominates enrollment with 180 graduates annually, though earnings are more moderate at $38,924, typical for general business degrees at regional institutions. Banking and Financial Support Services, with 64 graduates earning $43,638, demonstrates UWG's connection to Georgia's financial services sector. These business-oriented programs prepare students for middle-management and professional roles throughout the Southeast.
The variation in outcomes across programs highlights the importance of major selection at UWG. While some fields like Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology show lower early-career earnings at $21,052, this likely reflects the graduate school preparation nature of these programs. Students considering UWG should carefully evaluate program-specific outcomes, as the university's strongest value proposition lies in career-focused fields like nursing, business, and education that connect directly to regional employer needs and provide clear pathways to stable, middle-class careers.
University of West Georgia graduates earn a median of $49,587 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do achieve earnings that are about $3,311 higher than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, suggesting the university adds meaningful value beyond what demographic and academic preparation would predict. This earnings boost, while modest, represents a positive return on investment for students who attend.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, where 150 graduates earn a median of $66,870 ten years out, significantly above the institutional average. Business Administration, the largest program with 180 graduates, produces more moderate earnings of around $38,924, while Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn approximately $43,638. These programs reflect UWG's focus on practical, career-oriented fields that connect directly to regional job markets.
While overall earnings lag behind many peer institutions, UWG's value proposition lies in providing accessible education that leads to stable, middle-class careers. The university's graduates enter a moderate cost-of-living region where earnings provide reasonable purchasing power, and many find employment in Georgia's growing healthcare, business services, and education sectors where UWG maintains strong employer relationships.
The University of West Georgia maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Georgia families. Low-income students pay approximately $12,779 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $16,015, and higher-income students pay about $19,101. These prices are competitive within Georgia's public university system and represent predictable, manageable costs for most families planning a four-year degree.
Debt levels at UWG are reasonable relative to the institution's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $23,970 in federal student loan debt, and families who choose to borrow through Parent PLUS loans take on an average of $12,942. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully. Most borrowers make steady progress on loan repayment, with about 5% of the balance paid off within the first two years and continued progress through the standard repayment period.
What makes UWG particularly sustainable for families is the alignment between costs, debt levels, and expected earnings. While graduates don't achieve the highest salaries nationally, the combination of moderate borrowing and reasonable living costs in Georgia creates a manageable financial equation for most students who complete their degrees.
University Of West Georgia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
