Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at LaGrange College

LaGrange College nursing graduates start strong at $76,077, but earnings drop to $66,024 by year four—a 13% decline that's unusual in a field known for steady career progression. While that first-year figure slightly exceeds national averages, it trails Georgia's median by about $500 and falls well below the state's top-performing programs, which regularly place graduates above $82,000. Among Georgia's 37 nursing programs, LaGrange ranks at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten state programs deliver better outcomes.

The $26,000 median debt is reasonable and typical for Georgia nursing students, keeping the initial debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.34. However, as earnings decline rather than grow, that debt burden becomes proportionally heavier over time. This backward earnings trajectory suggests graduates may be starting in acute care settings but transitioning to lower-paying positions, or the regional job market may limit advancement opportunities. Either scenario differs from the career path most parents envision when investing in a BSN.

For families comparing Georgia nursing programs, this represents a middle-tier option at best. The combination of declining earnings and below-median state performance makes it difficult to justify unless location-specific factors strongly favor LaGrange. East Georgia State and Georgia Highlands College both deliver 28% higher four-year earnings—a difference of roughly $18,000 annually that compounds significantly over a nursing career.