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

Albany State University's nursing program outperforms both national and state earnings benchmarks while keeping debt notably lower than average—a combination worth serious attention for budget-conscious families. Starting at $77,491 and climbing to $87,762 by year four, graduates earn more than 60% of nursing programs both nationally and within Georgia. More importantly, the median debt of $32,324 sits well below typical levels, translating to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The gap to Georgia's top-performing programs (which start around $84,000) is real but not enormous, and it narrows as Albany State graduates gain experience. Given that 65% of students here receive Pell grants, the program appears to effectively serve first-generation and lower-income students without sacrificing outcomes. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence that these aren't statistical flukes.

For families prioritizing strong earnings with minimal debt burden, this program delivers both. You're looking at above-average pay from day one, steady income growth, and debt that won't dominate your child's budget for years. That's a solid foundation for a nursing career.