Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Thomas University
Bachelor's Degree
thomasu.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,640 | $74,176 | $75,942 | $31,188 | 0.42 | |
| $2,736 | $84,669 | — | $19,031 | 0.22 | |
| $2,944 | $83,986 | — | $16,044 | 0.19 | |
| $19,686 | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 | |
| $5,068 | $82,714 | $84,778 | $37,783 | 0.46 | |
| $28,420 | $81,266 | — | $30,275 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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.