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

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dalton State College$42,505
University of Georgia$32,534$40,773$24,3140.75
Georgia State University$29,609$44,442$30,5331.03
Clark Atlanta University$27,016$52,521$27,5001.02
Fort Valley State University$26,299$39,292$37,8751.44
National Median$37,296$26,3620.71

Other Social Work Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Georgia
Athens
$11,180$32,534$24,314
Georgia State University
Atlanta
$8,478$29,609$30,533
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta
$26,446$27,016$27,500
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley
$5,392$26,299$37,875

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 Dalton State College, approximately 50% 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.