By Mike Cavaliere 

A s over 400 degree-earners crossed the commencement stage at Georgia College & State University last week, they moved toward a bright financial future, according to a recent study that ranks GCSU among the top three public universities in the state for career earning potential. 

The new report conducted by the United States Department of Education reported earnings from bachelor’s degree holders four years after graduation. Ranked third alongside the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia, Georgia College & State University graduates reported a median annual income of $51,360, which is nearly $20,000 higher than the median income reported by non-college graduates (high school diploma holders), in the same timeframe. 

“Preparing students to step into fulfilling careers is always our goal, and it’s validating to see Georgia College graduates thriving financially and outperforming so many of their peers on a statewide scale,” said Dr. Holley Roberts, GCSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This data reinforces the power of a high-quality liberal arts education, which develops key critical thinking and communication skills that lay the foundation for leadership across industries.” 

Of all higher education institutions in the state, Georgia College ranked No. 7 overall for annual median earnings. 

When students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application for the first time, they will now be able to view the reported undergraduate earnings for the institutions to which they are submitting their FAFSA. 

Just Hired! 

A majority of GCSU students secure employment by the time they turn their tassels at commencement. In fact, 78% of the class of 2025 spring graduating class already had a full-time job or were accepted into graduate school upon completing their undergraduate degrees, according to an exit survey conducted by the Georgia College Career Center. 

Featured in the university’s “Just Hired!” Instagram series, which celebrates grads like these, marketing and rhetoric graduate Jared Smith announced his new position as marketing coordinator at Jackson and Coker. 

“GCSU prepared me exceptionally well for this role,” he said in a follow-up interview. “The coursework, hands-on projects and support from the faculty equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to excel. I'm most looking forward to applying my skills and creativity to help drive the company's marketing initiatives and contribute to their continued success.” 

Like many students, Smith discovered his new role through an internship he landed with the company in partnership with GCSU’s Career Center. For two consecutive summers, he worked for the company, learning about financial services and how to thrive in a professional setting. 

“My internships served as a long interview process, allowing me to demonstrate my capabilities and fit within the company,” he said. “I was delighted when they offered me the job.” 

Other class of 2025 graduates highlighted in the series include Anna Hollis, who is beginning her career as a marketing and engagement coordinator at a local bank; Hannah Pelt, who is going to work as a registered nurse; Courtney Brandon, who is becoming an administrative assistant; and others. 

“What I’m looking forward to the most is learning about an industry of which I have no prior knowledge,” Brandon said. “I am doing something entirely new, and I think that just makes me more well-rounded candidate for the future.” 

Earnings data was reported by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education. Figures were based off median earnings recorded 2014-2016 by graduates who received Title IV aid and were working and not enrolled in college four years after graduation. Earnings values were adjusted for inflation.

Header Image: Georgia College & State University students on Front Campus. (Photo: Anna Gay Leavitt)