Business/Managerial Economics at Georgia College & State University

A first-year salary of $49,187 lands solidly in the middle of the pack—this program trails the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State, but outpaces Georgia Southern by nearly $10,000. With estimated debt around $22,335 based on similar programs at Georgia College & State University, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning the typical borrower could theoretically clear their loans in roughly six months of gross earnings. That's a manageable starting point, though the initial salary itself falls short of the $53,219 national median for managerial economics programs.

The real promise here emerges in year four, when median earnings jump to $77,352—a 57% increase that suggests strong career progression. This growth trajectory matters more than the modest debut, particularly since the estimated debt burden remains reasonable. While we can't confirm these debt figures are specific to this program's graduates (they're extrapolated from peer programs at the same institution), they align closely with both state and national norms for this field.

For families weighing this program, the math works if your student can manage with below-average starting pay while building toward stronger mid-career earnings. The accessible admission standards and relatively low debt load create a viable pathway, but students should recognize they're entering a competitive field where their first job will likely pay less than peers from flagship programs—at least initially.