Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,056
66th percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$23,611
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.47
Manageable
Sample Size
156
Adequate data

Analysis

Georgia College delivers solid business outcomes without excessive debt. Starting at $50,056 and climbing to over $61,000 by year four, graduates earn more than typical business majors both nationally and within Georgia—a meaningful advantage since most Georgia business programs produce lower starting salaries. The 60th percentile ranking among Georgia schools places this program above competitive state options like Georgia Southern and Clayton State, though it trails flagship universities and Emory by a wider margin.

The debt picture works in students' favor here. At $23,611, graduates carry notably less than the state median of $26,538, creating a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio. This combination—above-average earnings with below-average debt—gives graduates financial breathing room that many business programs don't provide. The 23% earnings growth over four years suggests the degree opens doors to advancement rather than dead-end positions.

For Georgia families seeking in-state business education, this represents a practical choice. You're not paying for Emory prestige, but you're also not gambling on a program that leaves graduates struggling to repay loans on $35,000 salaries. The accessible admissions (88% acceptance rate) paired with middle-tier outcomes creates a reasonable path for students who want business credentials without either elite credentials or financial strain.

Where Georgia College & State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Georgia College & State UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia College & State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Georgia College & State University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (54 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia College & State University$50,056$61,322$23,6110.47
Emory University$85,682$107,945$19,5000.23
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus$73,557$78,313$23,0000.31
University of Georgia$56,630$63,445$19,5000.34
Morehouse College$55,567$62,476$23,6250.43
DeVry University-Georgia$55,102$55,550$46,7970.85
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Emory University
Atlanta
$60,774$85,682$19,500
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta
$11,764$73,557$23,000
University of Georgia
Athens
$11,180$56,630$19,500
Morehouse College
Atlanta
$31,725$55,567$23,625
DeVry University-Georgia
Decatur
$17,488$55,102$46,797

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Georgia College & State University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 156 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.