Business/Commerce at College of Coastal Georgia

College of Coastal Georgia's business graduates earn well below both state and national benchmarks, starting at just $33,940—about $7,500 less than the typical Georgia business graduate and nearly $14,000 below the national median. This program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of business programs nationwide produce better earnings outcomes. Even within Georgia's 19 business programs, it lands at the 25th percentile, with graduates from UGA, Augusta, and even online-focused programs earning 45-75% more right out of the gate.

The silver lining here is remarkably low debt. At $16,000, graduates owe about $10,000 less than typical business majors in Georgia, keeping the debt burden manageable at under half of first-year earnings. The school's open admission policy and high Pell Grant enrollment (41%) suggest it serves students who might not have access to more selective programs, and for them, graduating with minimal debt matters enormously. Earnings do grow 22% by year four, reaching $41,546—essentially matching Georgia's median starting salary.

For a student choosing between this program and taking on heavy debt elsewhere, the low-debt advantage is real. But families should understand they're trading earnings potential for affordability. If your child can access a stronger Georgia business program without dramatically more debt, that's likely the better path.