Analysis
The four-year earnings figure of $37,947 tells an unusual story here—it's actually *lower* than the estimated first-year earnings of $38,492 derived from comparable health professions bachelor's programs nationally. This inverted trajectory deserves attention, as most health-related credentials see steady income growth in those early career years. Without actual data from Georgia Southern's specific graduates, we can't know whether this reflects the particular career paths their students pursue, but it suggests earnings may plateau or dip rather than climb.
The financial foundation looks manageable, with estimated debt around $24,990 based on similar programs at Georgia Southern—yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65. That's a reasonable burden compared to the national median debt of $26,000 for health professions bachelor's programs. The challenge isn't crushing debt but rather the modest earnings ceiling. At roughly $38,000 annually, graduates will likely cover their loans without crisis but won't be building wealth quickly.
For anxious parents, the key question is what specific career this degree targets. "Health professions" is broad—encompassing everything from health informatics to clinical support roles—and the flat earnings pattern suggests it may lead to roles with limited advancement potential. Before committing, pin down exactly what jobs this program prepares students for and whether those positions typically require additional credentials or training to unlock better pay.
Where Georgia Southern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern University | — | $37,947 | — |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $36,819 | $70,368 | +91% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $47,570 | $69,530 | +46% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $72,628 | $68,341 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,905 | $38,492* | $37,947 | $24,990* | — | |
| $6,638 | $72,628* | $68,341 | $19,018* | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924* | $64,596 | $24,990* | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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 Southern University, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.