Business Administration, Management and Operations at Coker University

Coker University's business program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—not the worst choice in South Carolina, but far from competitive with what students can achieve elsewhere in the state. At $39,118 first-year earnings, graduates earn about $3,000 less than the state median and $6,500 below the national average, landing in just the 21st percentile nationally. The 40th percentile ranking within South Carolina means half of the state's business programs deliver stronger outcomes.

The debt burden adds to the concern. While the $31,646 median debt isn't catastrophic—representing 0.81 times first-year earnings—it's notably higher than both state and national medians. Graduates face a manageable but extended repayment timeline while earning less than peers at nearby schools. Charleston Southern and Southern Wesleyan, for instance, deliver 60-30% higher earnings, which dramatically changes the debt payoff equation and career trajectory.

For families paying out-of-state rates or taking on significant debt to attend Coker, this program presents questionable value. The university's 97% admission rate suggests accessibility rather than selectivity, and with nearly a third of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters enormously here. If a student has admission to any of South Carolina's stronger business programs—particularly the state's public universities—those options deserve serious consideration first. This works best as an accessible backup option for students staying local, not as a destination choice.