Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,176
46th percentile
40th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$31,188
16% above national median

Analysis

Thomas University's nursing program graduates start around $74,000—reasonable for the field, but trailing the Georgia median by about $2,400. More concerning is the 40th percentile ranking among Georgia programs, meaning six out of ten nursing schools in the state produce better earnings outcomes. When affordable options like East Georgia State College ($84,669) and Georgia Highlands College ($83,986) exist within the same state system, that $10,000+ annual earnings gap adds up significantly over a career.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $31,188, it's manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates should be able to handle payments on typical nursing salaries. However, the flat earnings trajectory—just 2% growth over four years—is unusual for nursing, where advancing skills and specializations typically drive steady income increases. This stagnation might signal limited career development opportunities for graduates or geographic constraints in the Thomasville area.

Keep in mind the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so individual circumstances could vary widely from these medians. For families prioritizing nursing education in Georgia, community colleges and larger state schools appear to deliver stronger returns. If Thomas University offers specific advantages like location or support services that matter to your family, the debt load won't sink you—but you're likely leaving money on the table compared to other in-state options.

Where Thomas University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Thomas University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Thomas University$74,176$75,942+2%
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Thomas UniversityThomasville$11,640$74,176$75,942$31,1880.42
East Georgia State CollegeSwainsboro$2,736$84,669$19,0310.22
Georgia Highlands CollegeRome$2,944$83,986$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$81,266$30,2750.37
National Median$74,888$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 Thomas University, approximately 47% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.