Public Policy Analysis at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

At $22,341 in estimated debt—based on typical borrowing across Georgia Tech's bachelor's programs—this Public Policy Analysis degree produces a debt load that's actually lower than what similar programs in Georgia typically carry ($30,750 median). That matters when you're earning $48,383 in your first year, a figure that beats both state and national benchmarks for the field. The 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates are earning roughly double what they owe, a manageable starting point for loan repayment.

What's working here is the combination of Georgia Tech's institutional strength and a field that, while not lucrative compared to engineering or computer science, provides stable entry into government, nonprofits, and policy research. Public policy graduates from peer programs in Georgia—including those at Georgia State who report first-year earnings of $42,215—show this is a field where Georgia Tech's brand and rigor translate into a measurable earnings advantage. The 16% admission rate and strong student body suggest you're also getting access to competitive internships and alumni networks that matter in policy work.

The caveat: these debt figures are estimates based on borrowing patterns across the institution, not specific to this program's graduates. If public policy students actually borrow more than the typical Georgia Tech undergrad, the picture shifts. But based on what comparable programs produce, this looks like reasonable debt for a degree that opens doors in a competitive field without requiring graduate school immediately.