Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University's nursing program produces graduates who earn less than the state median right from the start, ranking in just the 40th percentile among Georgia nursing programs. With first-year earnings of $72,741 compared to the state median of $76,557, graduates are missing out on nearly $4,000 annually compared to peers from other Georgia schools. The gap becomes more concerning when you see that top performers like East Georgia State College and Georgia Highlands College send their graduates into the workforce earning over $80,000—more than $10,000 above Georgia Southern's outcomes.

The financial picture gets worse over time, with earnings actually declining by 5% from year one to year four. While the debt load of $27,277 isn't excessive and creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.37, the combination of below-average starting salaries and declining earnings trajectory means graduates may struggle to maximize their earning potential in a field known for strong job security and growth.

For parents considering this program, the data suggests looking elsewhere in Georgia's nursing landscape. With 37 programs statewide and several significantly outperforming Georgia Southern, your child would likely be better served by targeting schools that consistently place graduates in higher-paying positions from day one.