Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Herzing University-Atlanta
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Herzing University-Atlanta's nursing program presents a concerning financial picture that should give parents pause. While graduates earn a respectable $75,774 in their first year—slightly above the national average—they actually see their earnings *decline* to $70,560 by year four, putting them in the bottom 40th percentile among Georgia nursing programs. This "early peak" pattern is unusual in nursing, where salaries typically grow steadily.
The debt burden is particularly troubling. At nearly $44,000, graduates carry 64% more debt than the typical nursing student nationally and 65% more than other Georgia nursing programs. Among all nursing programs nationwide, this ranks in the 95th percentile for debt—meaning only 5% of programs saddle students with higher loan balances. Even with the solid starting salary, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates face a heavier financial burden than most of their peers.
Georgia offers significantly better options. Five programs in the state produce graduates earning $81,000-$85,000 annually while typically requiring far less debt. Given that nursing is a stable, in-demand field with generally strong employment prospects, your child would likely be better served at a state school or community college program that delivers similar career outcomes without the premium price tag.
Where Herzing University-Atlanta Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Herzing University-Atlanta graduates compare to all programs nationally
Herzing University-Atlanta graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Atlanta | $75,774 | $70,560 | $43,985 | 0.58 |
| East Georgia State College | $84,669 | — | $19,031 | 0.22 |
| Georgia Highlands College | $83,986 | — | $16,044 | 0.19 |
| Chamberlain University-Georgia | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| Clayton State University | $82,714 | $84,778 | $37,783 | 0.46 |
| Reinhardt University | $81,266 | — | $30,275 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Georgia State College Swainsboro | $2,736 | $84,669 | $19,031 |
| Georgia Highlands College Rome | $2,944 | $83,986 | $16,044 |
| Chamberlain University-Georgia Sandy Springs | $19,686 | $83,188 | $39,146 |
| Clayton State University Morrow | $5,068 | $82,714 | $37,783 |
| Reinhardt University Waleska | $28,420 | $81,266 | $30,275 |
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 Herzing University-Atlanta, approximately 68% 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 543 graduates with reported earnings and 703 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.