Median Earnings (1yr)
$77,635
61st percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$41,815
55% above national median

Analysis

South University-Savannah Online's nursing program delivers solid earnings that outperform national averages, with graduates earning $77,635 in their first year compared to the national median of $74,888. However, this program sits squarely in the middle pack among Georgia's 37 nursing programs, ranking at the 60th percentile statewide. The real standout feature is the debt pictureβ€”with median debt of $41,815, this program ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning 95% of nursing programs nationwide leave students with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is reasonable for healthcare education, and the fact that 76% of students receive Pell grants suggests the program serves many first-generation and lower-income students who successfully transition into well-paying careers. However, the virtually flat earnings growth (+1% from year 1 to year 4) is concerning and suggests limited advancement potential compared to other nursing programs where experience typically drives meaningful salary increases.

While this program produces employed nurses earning decent wages, it doesn't crack Georgia's top tierβ€”graduates at East Georgia State College and Georgia Highlands earn about $7,000 more annually. For families prioritizing debt management, this is a solid choice, but those seeking maximum earning potential might consider the higher-performing in-state alternatives.

Where South University-Savannah Online Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How South University-Savannah Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
South University-Savannah Online$77,635$78,626+1%
Albany State University$77,491$87,762+13%
Clayton State University$82,714$84,778+2%
Chamberlain University-Georgia$83,188$81,995-1%
Brenau University$80,786$78,785-2%

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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
South University-Savannah OnlineSavannah$16,546$77,635$78,626$41,8150.54
East Georgia State CollegeSwainsboro$2,736$84,669β€”$19,0310.22
Georgia Highlands CollegeRome$2,944$83,986β€”$16,0440.19
Chamberlain University-GeorgiaSandy Springs$19,686$83,188$81,995$39,1460.47
Clayton State UniversityMorrow$5,068$82,714$84,778$37,7830.46
Reinhardt UniversityWaleska$28,420$81,266β€”$30,2750.37
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. 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 South University-Savannah Online, approximately 76% 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 1002 graduates with reported earnings and 1234 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.