Albany State University
Albany State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Albany State University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Albany State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $40,674 — 24% below average — while paying $11,898/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 27% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,024 representing 62% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Albany State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Albany State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #177 of 209 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #177 | Albany State University | 23 | $11,898 | $40,674 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Albany State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 15 in GA.
Best Programs at Albany State University
The highest-earning program at Albany State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $66,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $19,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Albany State University earns $66,700, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $19,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $29,375 in median debt vs. $33,750 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,898/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,700 | $66,700 | $29,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,200 | $33,200 | $33,376 |
| Social Work | $31,100 | $31,100 | $42,200 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,700 | $29,700 | $37,156 |
| Biology, General | $29,200 | $29,200 | $35,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $27,200 | $27,200 | $36,000 |
| Sociology | $25,900 | $25,900 | $40,521 |
| Psychology, General | $25,200 | $25,200 | $33,937 |
| Education, Other | $21,100 | $21,100 | $34,750 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $19,900 | $19,900 | $33,750 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Albany, GA
- Student Body
- 5,956 students
- Graduation Rate
- 27%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,898
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,674
- Median Student Debt
- $25,024