Health Sciences Degree in Macon, GA — Salary & ROI 2026
Health Sciences degree analysis for Macon, GA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$51K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$69K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6 yrs
in Macon
Cost of Living
101
index (100 = avg)
Health Sciences in Macon, GA Overview
Macon, Georgia (pop. 157,346) has 13 colleges offering Health Sciences programs. The local cost of living index of 101 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,007/month. Health Sciences has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Anatomy and Physiology skills. The adjusted starting salary in Macon is approximately $50,500.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
13
Public Tuition
$11,056/yr
Private Tuition
$40,560/yr
Room & Board
$11,733/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,538/yr
Unemployment
6.8%
Graduation Rate
48%
Health Sciences Salary in Macon (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Macon's cost of living index of 101 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Health Sciences salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $85,000 senior level.Macon adjustment factor: 1.01x based on the local cost of living index.
Health Sciences ROI Calculator for Macon
Estimate your return on investment for a Health Sciences degree using local Macon tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,056 | Private avg: $40,560
Macon avg aid: $10,538/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$91,156
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,150
vs HS diploma in Macon
ROI Payback Period
6 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Macon
$292,644
Lifetime earnings premium ($383,800) minus total education cost ($91,156)
Student Loan Payoff for Health Sciences in Macon
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Macon for Health Sciences
Mercer University
private
$40,560/yr
$162,240 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Central Georgia Technical College
$3,152/yr
Top Employers for Health Sciences in Macon
Macon offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Health Sciences graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Macon Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Health Sciences Job Titles
Health Sciences in Nearby Georgia Cities
Atlanta, GA
$51K starting · COL 101
23 colleges
Columbus, GA
$42K starting · COL 84.5
8 colleges
Augusta, GA
$42K starting · COL 83
11 colleges
Savannah, GA
$48K starting · COL 95
12 colleges
Athens, GA
$52K starting · COL 103
11 colleges
Sandy Springs, GA
$56K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Roswell, GA
$54K starting · COL 108.2
4 colleges
Johns Creek, GA
$56K starting · COL 112.8
4 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Macon
Pharmacy
$51K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$51K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$69K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$51K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$51K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$51K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$51K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$51K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Health Sciences degree outcomes in Macon, GA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Health Sciences programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Georgia.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Macon using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Health Sciences graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Health Sciences career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Health Sciences grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Macon Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Georgia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Georgia programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "georgia higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Health Sciences Degree in Macon — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Health Sciences ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Macon.