Analysis
Georgia Gwinnett College's business program sits squarely in the middle of Georgia's offerings—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—but comes with notably lower debt than most alternatives. At $21,750, graduates carry about $4,500 less debt than the Georgia median and substantially less than the $26,000 national average. That modest debt load paired with first-year earnings of $39,700 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates owe roughly half their annual salary—a reasonable starting point for repayment.
The more compelling story emerges over time. Four years out, earnings jump to $52,026, representing 31% growth and putting graduates on par with mid-tier programs like Mercer University. While the program trails top Georgia schools like UGA and Augusta by $8,000-$9,000, it also costs considerably less to attend. The school's 96% admission rate and 50% Pell Grant population suggest it's serving students who might not access selective programs, yet delivering outcomes that keep pace with more competitive options.
For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this presents a practical path forward. Your child won't graduate at the top of Georgia's business earnings rankings, but they'll start with manageable debt and see solid earnings progression—a combination that matters more than year-one salary alone when building long-term financial stability.
Where Georgia Gwinnett College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia Gwinnett College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Gwinnett College | $39,700 | $52,026 | +31% |
| Mercer University | $52,819 | $66,047 | +25% |
| Strayer University-Georgia | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| DeVry University-Georgia | $57,020 | $56,664 | -1% |
| Columbus State University | $37,852 | $49,756 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,458 | $39,700 | $52,026 | $21,750 | 0.55 | |
| $11,180 | $60,895 | — | $25,092 | 0.41 | |
| $8,122 | $60,541 | — | $18,531 | 0.31 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| $40,890 | $52,819 | $66,047 | $51,452 | 0.97 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Gwinnett College, approximately 50% 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 56 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.