Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,063
40th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
3% above national median

Analysis

Georgia Southern's education program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Georgia—but delivers reasonable value at a manageable price. Starting at $41,063, graduates earn slightly below the state median of $41,582 and fall in the 40th percentile among Georgia's 27 programs. More accomplished students might look at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ($50,429) or Kennesaw State ($45,243), where starting salaries run $4,000-$9,000 higher. However, Georgia Southern's $27,000 median debt is precisely at the state average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that most teachers can handle.

The 18% earnings growth to $48,234 by year four follows typical teacher salary progressions in Georgia. While this won't produce financial windfalls, it represents stable, predictable income—exactly what teaching careers offer. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts.

For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this program works. The debt load won't overwhelm a teacher's salary, and Georgia Southern's accessible admission standards (90% acceptance rate) make it attainable for most students. Just understand you're choosing security over maximizing earnings potential—there are clearly stronger education programs within Georgia if your child qualifies for admission.

Where Georgia Southern University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia Southern 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 Southern University$41,063$48,234+17%
Kennesaw State University$45,243$47,255+4%
University of Georgia$43,129$46,008+7%
University of North Georgia$42,102$45,093+7%
University of West Georgia$43,308$43,482+0%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro$5,905$41,063$48,234$27,0000.66
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeTifton$3,195$50,429$26,2500.52
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$45,243$47,255$26,5000.59
University of West GeorgiaCarrollton$5,971$43,308$43,482$27,0000.62
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$43,129$46,008$20,7500.48
University of North GeorgiaDahlonega$5,009$42,102$45,093
National Median$43,082$26,2210.61

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas graduates

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:

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.

Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.