Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,583
36th percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$22,425
10% below national median

Analysis

Georgia College's accounting program sits at an interesting crossroads: it matches the state median for graduate earnings while delivering notably lower debt than most Georgia competitors. With graduates owing $22,425—about $3,500 less than the typical Georgia accounting student—the manageable debt load helps offset earnings that trail stronger state programs by $7,000-$14,000.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Georgia accounting programs, placing it squarely in the middle tier behind flagships like UGA and larger urban campuses like Kennesaw State. Starting pay of $50,583 falls slightly below the national accounting median, and four-year earnings of $59,578 remain about $5,000 behind the national 75th percentile. The 18% earnings growth is respectable but not exceptional for accounting, where professionals typically see steady advancement in their first career years.

The value proposition here is straightforward: you're getting a state school accounting credential at a reasonable price, not a launching pad to Big Four firms or major corporate finance roles. The 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio is solid—graduates can realistically manage their loans on typical accountant salaries. For students targeting mid-market firms or accounting roles in Georgia's smaller cities rather than Atlanta's competitive market, this program delivers functional preparation without excessive financial burden. Just understand you'll likely start several rungs below peers from UGA or Georgia State.

Where Georgia College & State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia College & State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Georgia College & State University$50,583$59,578+18%
Oglethorpe University$56,121$77,243+38%
University of Georgia$64,058$76,298+19%
Georgia Southern University$44,094$66,265+50%
Kennesaw State University$57,814$65,652+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville$8,998$50,583$59,578$22,4250.44
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$64,058$76,298$23,2500.36
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$57,814$65,652$26,0000.45
Oglethorpe UniversityAtlanta$45,806$56,121$77,243$26,0000.46
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta$8,478$55,761$62,731$25,5000.46
DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur$17,488$54,264$54,099$54,3801.00
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Georgia College & State University, approximately 16% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.