Business Administration, Management and Operations at Erskine College

Starting at under $36,000 a year, Erskine business graduates earn roughly $10,000 less than the typical South Carolina business graduate and nearly $10,000 below the national median. While the program lands at the 40th percentile among SC business schools—essentially middle-of-the-pack in-state—it falls to just the 11th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap for parents to consider, especially when schools like Charleston Southern and Southern Wesleyan produce graduates earning $50,000-$65,000 from similar programs in the same state.

The $27,000 debt load is reasonable and matches both state and national medians, but when paired with below-average starting salaries, it creates a tighter financial picture in those early career years. The 26% earnings growth to year four is encouraging and brings graduates closer to competitive levels, suggesting the degree does provide a foundation for career progression. However, even at $44,789 four years out, earnings remain below what many peer programs deliver right at graduation.

For families considering Erskine's business program, the question becomes whether the school's smaller environment and community justify accepting lower initial earnings. If your student has significantly better offers from other SC schools—particularly those in the top tier—the earnings difference is substantial enough to warrant serious consideration. This works best for students with strong reasons to attend Erskine specifically, rather than those simply seeking any business degree.