Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,374
60th percentile
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median

Analysis

Georgia Southern's business program delivers solidly middle-of-the-pack results, landing at the 60th percentile both nationally and among Georgia's 54 business schools. Starting salaries of $48,374 beat the state median by about $4,000, and graduates see meaningful growth to $58,000 within four yearsβ€”a 20% jump that suggests the degree opens doors to career progression. The $25,000 debt load is slightly below average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that most graduates should handle comfortably.

The value proposition here is straightforward: you're getting a respectable business credential at a public university price point, without the debt burden that often accompanies similar programs. While this won't match the earning power of UGA ($56,630) or Georgia Tech ($73,557), it significantly outperforms many alternatives in the state and costs considerably less than private options. The 90% admission rate and strong Pell grant representation suggest accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.

For Georgia families seeking an in-state business degree, this represents a sensible choiceβ€”graduates earn more than the typical Georgia business grad while taking on less debt. The program won't catapult your child into six figures, but the combination of modest debt and steady earnings growth creates a stable foundation for building a business career.

Where Georgia Southern University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia Southern University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Georgia Southern University$48,374$58,087+20%
Emory University$85,682$107,945+26%
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus$73,557$78,313+6%
University of Georgia$56,630$63,445+12%
Morehouse College$55,567$62,476+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro$5,905$48,374$58,087$25,0000.52
Emory UniversityAtlanta$60,774$85,682$107,945$19,5000.23
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta$11,764$73,557$78,313$23,0000.31
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$56,630$63,445$19,5000.34
Morehouse CollegeAtlanta$31,725$55,567$62,476$23,6250.43
DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur$17,488$55,102$55,550$46,7970.85
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Southern University, approximately 35% 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 317 graduates with reported earnings and 290 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.