Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,176
46th percentile (40th in GA)
Median Debt
$31,188
16% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.42
Manageable
Sample Size
19
Limited data

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

Thomas UniversityOther registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

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 Thomas University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Thomas University graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 46th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Thomas University$74,176$75,942$31,1880.42
East Georgia State College$84,669—$19,0310.22
Georgia Highlands College$83,986—$16,0440.19
Chamberlain University-Georgia$83,188$81,995$39,1460.47
Clayton State University$82,714$84,778$37,7830.46
Reinhardt University$81,266—$30,2750.37
National Median$74,888—$27,0000.36

Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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.