A debate in higher education today is whether and how much colleges should be concerned with the job potential of their graduates. The state of Georgia, however, has resolved that debate. It contends colleges, especially those relying on tax dollars, should be very concerned.
So, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement has created an easy-to-use online tool that allows students and their parents to see earning potential not only by program studied but by Georgia college attended.
By plugging in degree type, program of study and public postsecondary educational institution into the new Georgia Higher Learning and Earnings dashboard, students can see median earnings across time.
In looking at statewide salary data, GOSA found earnings vary dramatically by program of study and college. Fields relating to medicine are consistently among the top earners relative to other popular degree categories. Business-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees have higher earnings relative to other popular programs of study.
In plugging in business, management and marketing, the GOSA dashboard shows a University of Georgia graduate in those fields has median earnings of $39,786 one year after graduation and $60,050 five years after graduation. If students went to Georgia Tech, they see median earnings of $44,694 one year after graduation and $61,913 five years later. However, students from Fort Valley State University in those same fields earn median earnings of $20,187 one year after graduation and $25,725 five years later.
To learn more about the career dashboard, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.
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