Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Spelman College

Spelman's health sciences program produces first-year earnings of $28,357—roughly $7,000 below the state median for similar programs in Georgia. While this lands in the 40th percentile statewide, it trails public options like Clayton State ($34,006) and Georgia Southern ($31,582), despite Spelman's selective admissions and strong institutional reputation.

The debt load of $25,155 is actually lighter than both state and national benchmarks, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89. However, the concern here isn't affordability—it's opportunity cost. Students admitted to Spelman (with SAT scores averaging 1184) likely have options at Georgia's public universities, where health sciences graduates earn measurably more right out of the gate. The $3,000-6,000 earnings gap compounds over time, potentially representing tens of thousands in lost income during peak earning years.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than larger programs. Some graduates may pursue graduate school rather than immediate employment, which would artificially depress earnings. For families committed to Spelman's unique educational environment—a historic HBCU with strong mentorship and networking—this may justify the tradeoff. But purely from a return-on-investment perspective, the numbers suggest exploring Georgia's public alternatives for health sciences unless Spelman's specific offerings align with your child's broader goals.