Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia Southwestern State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Georgia Southwestern State University at a Glance
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a state public university in Americus, Georgia, United States. Founded as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1906, the university was established and is administrated by the Georgia Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The historic core of the campus has been listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, since 2007.
1906
120 years old
$36M
$35.8 million (2025)
3,408
2,753 undergrad · 655 grad
250 acres
Identity
Is Georgia Southwestern State University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Georgia Southwestern State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,757 — 9% below average — while paying $12,019/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Georgia Southwestern State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Georgia Southwestern State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #52 of 109 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #52 | Georgia Southwestern State University | 37 | $12,019 | $48,757 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Georgia Southwestern State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in GA.
Best Programs at Georgia Southwestern State University
The highest-earning program at Georgia Southwestern State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $22,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Georgia Southwestern State University earns $61,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $22,800. 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 $18,568 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,019/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 | $61,600 | $61,600 | $18,568 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,000 | $39,000 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $34,800 | $34,800 | $22,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $31,200 | $31,200 | $23,696 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,100 | $31,100 | $15,000 |
| Psychology, General | $22,800 | $22,800 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Americus, GA
- Student Body
- 2,424 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,019
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,757
- Median Student Debt
- $18,851