Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,532
42nd percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$22,125
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.72
Manageable
Sample Size
45
Adequate data

Analysis

College of Coastal Georgia's psychology program costs less than most Georgia alternatives while delivering earnings that land in the 60th percentile statewide—a noteworthy combination for families watching their budgets. With $22,125 in debt versus the state's $27,000 median, graduates here borrow nearly $5,000 less than peers at other Georgia schools. That debt represents just 72% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates face a manageable repayment burden even at starting salaries around $30,500.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, with graduates earning $34,579 by year four—roughly matching the national 75th percentile and surpassing most mid-tier Georgia programs. This isn't Emory or Brenau territory, but it outperforms 60% of psychology programs in a state where many charge significantly more. For students likely attending for in-state tuition at an accessible institution (99% admission rate), the value proposition works better than the raw numbers suggest.

The practical reality: this is a solid choice for Georgia families seeking an affordable path to a psychology degree, particularly when paired with plans for graduate school or work in social services where the manageable debt load matters more than maximizing entry-level earnings. The combination of lower borrowing and respectable outcomes makes this program punch above its weight in the state's landscape.

Where College of Coastal Georgia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

College of Coastal GeorgiaOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How College of Coastal Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally

College of Coastal Georgia graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (41 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of Coastal Georgia$30,532$34,579$22,1250.72
Brenau University$36,497—$30,7610.84
Life University$34,260—$31,0000.90
Emory University$32,085$52,842$20,5000.64
Morehouse College$31,474—$26,0000.83
Kennesaw State University$31,450$42,774$26,8690.85
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Brenau University
Gainesville
$33,275$36,497$30,761
Life University
Marietta
$15,036$34,260$31,000
Emory University
Atlanta
$60,774$32,085$20,500
Morehouse College
Atlanta
$31,725$31,474$26,000
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw
$5,786$31,450$26,869

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Coastal Georgia, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 45 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.