Analysis
Based on comparable finance programs across Georgia, Augusta University's graduates appear positioned near the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings around $51,000 and debt of roughly $25,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests manageable repayment, though the subsequent earnings drop to $45,500 by year four raises questions about career trajectory that small sample sizes prevent us from fully understanding.
The challenge here is visibility. While peer programs at Georgia State and Kennesaw State show graduates earning in the mid-$50,000s initially, Augusta's estimated figures put them closer to programs like University of West Georgia. The fact that earnings dip rather than rise by year four is unusual for finance careers, which typically show steady growthβthis could reflect industry changes, geographic employment patterns in the Augusta area, or simply the noise that comes with very small graduate cohorts.
For parents, this means weighing a program that appears affordable against limited concrete evidence about its specific outcomes. The debt load isn't alarming, and the estimated starting salary aligns with state norms. But without actual reported data, you're making decisions based on what similar programs produce, not what Augusta's finance program demonstrably delivers. If your student has options at Georgia's larger finance programs with proven track records, those merit serious consideration.
Where Augusta University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta University | β | $45,504 | β |
| University of Georgia | $67,444 | $81,652 | +21% |
| Georgia State University | $56,344 | $65,600 | +16% |
| Kennesaw State University | $54,428 | $63,121 | +16% |
| University of North Georgia | $51,044 | $62,580 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,122 | $51,044* | $45,504 | $24,828* | β | |
| $11,180 | $67,444* | $81,652 | $20,299* | 0.30 | |
| $8,478 | $56,344* | $65,600 | $24,250* | 0.43 | |
| $5,786 | $54,428* | $63,121 | $25,000* | 0.46 | |
| $5,971 | $52,078* | $61,509 | $25,571* | 0.49 | |
| $5,009 | $51,044* | $62,580 | $16,650* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Augusta University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.