Business Administration, Management and Operations at Georgia Southern University
Bachelor's Degree
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 years—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 choice—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
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 Southern University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgia Southern University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 60th 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southern University | $48,374 | $58,087 | $25,000 | 0.52 |
| Emory University | $85,682 | $107,945 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $73,557 | $78,313 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
| University of Georgia | $56,630 | $63,445 | $19,500 | 0.34 |
| Morehouse College | $55,567 | $62,476 | $23,625 | 0.43 |
| DeVry University-Georgia | $55,102 | $55,550 | $46,797 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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 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.