Augusta University
Augusta University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Augusta University at a Glance
Augusta University (AU) is a public research university and academic medical center in Augusta, Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia and has satellite medical campuses in Savannah, Albany, and Rome, Georgia. It employs over 15,000 people, has more than 56,000 alumni, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is classified as a Research 2 university with High Research Spending and Doctorate Production and as a university with Commu…
1828
198 years old
$60M
$60.2 million (2025)
9,813
1,643
670 acres
Identity
Is Augusta University Worth It?
Augusta University offers moderate value at $13,787/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $48,472, which is 10% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Augusta University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #87 of 200 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 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #87 | Augusta University | 43 | $13,787 | $48,472 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Augusta University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in GA.
Best Programs at Augusta University
The highest-earning program at Augusta University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $22,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Augusta University earns $60,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $22,400. 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 $14,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,787/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 | $60,800 | $60,800 | $14,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $54,700 | $54,700 | $28,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $50,100 | $50,100 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $49,200 | $49,200 | $23,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,800 | $44,800 | $24,087 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $36,200 | $36,200 | $25,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,100 | $36,100 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,300 | $35,300 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $33,700 | $33,700 | $26,000 |
| Marketing | $33,200 | $33,200 | $20,206 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,000 | $33,000 | $27,501 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,800 | $29,800 | $20,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,700 | $28,700 | $26,804 |
| Sociology | $26,600 | $26,600 | $28,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,400 | $26,400 | $23,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $25,500 | $25,500 | N/A |
| History | $25,200 | $25,200 | $22,000 |
| Social Work | $24,200 | $24,200 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $22,400 | $22,400 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Augusta, GA
- Student Body
- 5,613 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,787
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,472
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500