Business/Commerce at Brenau University

Brenau's business program positions itself slightly above the middle of the pack in Georgia—60th percentile—while performing below national standards. That first-year salary of $43,193 beats Georgia's median for business degrees by about $1,700, though it falls short of the $47,506 national benchmark. The real concern isn't the starting salary but the debt load: at $44,156, graduates carry roughly 70% more debt than typical business majors, both nationally and in-state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.02 means graduates owe more than they earn in their first year—a tight squeeze financially. While earnings do grow modestly to $45,058 by year four, that improvement barely keeps pace with inflation and doesn't meaningfully ease the debt burden. Compare this to Georgia's flagship program at UGA, where business grads earn $60,895, making debt repayment significantly more manageable.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary substantially. For families considering Brenau, the value equation works only if the total cost can be reduced significantly through scholarships or aid. Otherwise, Georgia offers several state schools with stronger earnings trajectories that would deliver better returns on a similar investment.