Business Administration, Management and Operations at Furman University

Furman's business program shows an unusual pattern: graduates start slightly behind their in-state peers but end up substantially ahead. At $49,008 initially, new graduates earn just above South Carolina's median for business programs ($41,953), but by year four, they've surged to $64,242—outpacing not just the state median but also the national 75th percentile ($52,657). That 31% earnings growth suggests Furman graduates are competing successfully for advancement opportunities.

The debt picture reinforces this investment case. At $19,500, Furman students graduate with nearly $8,000 less debt than the typical South Carolina business major and $6,500 less than the national median. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably manage repayment even in that first year, and by year four, the ratio drops to a highly manageable 0.30. For context, while Furman doesn't crack the state's top tier in starting salaries—programs like Charleston Southern and Southern Wesleyan launch grads at higher pay—those schools typically come with higher debt loads or serve different student populations.

The moderate sample size suggests these numbers represent a consistent pattern rather than an outlier cohort. For families concerned about career trajectory rather than just starting salary, Furman delivers: lower debt, solid initial placement, and strong mid-career momentum that justifies the selective liberal arts premium.