Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Albany State University

Albany State's nursing program lands graduates into strong first-year positions—$79,737 puts them ahead of 90% of similar programs nationally and solidly above Georgia's median. But here's the concern: by year four, earnings drop 22% to $62,124, falling below both the state and national benchmarks. While the $27,482 debt load remains manageable relative to that first-year salary, graduates are paying a premium compared to Georgia's typical nursing debt of $19,166.

The earnings trajectory matters here. Other Georgia nursing programs like Chattahoochee Technical College or West Georgia Technical College deliver higher sustained earnings with lower debt burdens. Albany State's advantage appears concentrated in those initial placements, which could reflect strong hospital partnerships or clinical training, but something shifts by year four—whether that's career path choices, geographic mobility, or market positioning isn't clear from the data alone.

For families, especially those tapping financial aid (65% receive Pell grants), this program gets you into the nursing workforce quickly and at a competitive starting salary. Just understand you're paying slightly more for what may be a temporary earnings advantage. If your child plans to stay in Georgia and wants alternatives, the state's technical colleges offer more predictable value.