Business Administration, Management and Operations at College of Coastal Georgia

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 positions this business degree in practical territory—based on comparable Georgia programs, graduates typically earn around $44,400 in their first year while carrying roughly $26,200 in loans. That's a manageable burden, roughly half a year's salary, though it's worth noting these figures track closely with both state and national medians for business degrees. Nothing remarkable stands out here: this appears to be a solidly middle-of-the-pack outcome.

The challenge is what comes next. Business degrees at Georgia's flagship institutions—UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory—produce first-year earnings in the $56,000 to $85,000 range. That's not just a modest bump; it represents thousands more in discretionary income even after loan payments. College of Coastal Georgia's 99% admission rate and below-average test scores suggest a different student population than these competitors, but that doesn't change the market reality: your child will be competing for jobs and promotions against graduates from programs with substantially higher outcomes.

For families prioritizing accessibility and affordability over prestige, this program delivers a credential without crushing debt. The first-year burden is manageable, and business skills translate across industries. Just understand that "manageable debt" isn't the same as "strong return"—peer programs suggest this degree opens doors, but probably not executive suites.