Economics at Georgia Southern University

Based on comparable economics programs across Georgia, students here can expect first-year earnings around $45,200—roughly $6,500 below the national median for economics majors but in line with what other Georgia schools report. The estimated $25,250 in debt sits slightly below the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 that's manageable for a business-oriented bachelor's degree.

What becomes clearer by year four is a potential ceiling: earnings tick up only modestly to $46,800. Peer programs in Georgia show economics graduates at schools like UGA and Georgia State reaching similar mid-40s figures, while the national benchmark sits above $51,700. This suggests the Georgia market for economics bachelor's holders—or perhaps the types of roles these programs channel students toward—may be more constrained than in other states.

The estimation here reflects small graduate cohorts, meaning outcomes could vary more than typical. For a student genuinely interested in economics and planning to stay in Georgia, the debt load won't be crushing. But if your child is comparing this to data science, finance, or accounting programs with clearer salary trajectories, those fields often show stronger four-year growth. Economics can be a versatile degree, but at this price point, it needs to lead somewhere specific—graduate school, a targeted industry, or a role where the analytical skills translate to advancement.