Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Georgia State University

Georgia State's Management Sciences program starts below the national earnings benchmark but tells a stronger story through its trajectory and affordability. Graduates earn $55,596 initially—about $6,500 less than the national median for these programs—yet by year four they've nearly caught up at $74,253, representing 34% earnings growth. That debt load of $26,000 is notably low, landing in just the 16th percentile nationally, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—essentially manageable by any reasonable standard.

The state picture matters here: while only three Georgia schools offer this degree, Georgia State ranks at the 60th percentile within the state despite being in the 35th percentile nationally. This suggests the program performs solidly within the local market where graduates are most likely to seek employment. Half of Georgia State students receive Pell grants, yet these debt outcomes remain controlled, indicating the university manages to serve lower-income students without saddling them with outsized loans.

For a parent, this comes down to whether you're comfortable with a slower start in exchange for reasonable debt and steady earnings growth. The program won't land your child a high-flying first job, but four years out they're approaching $75,000 with minimal debt burden. That's a foundation for financial security, not wealth, but it's built on solid ground rather than borrowed optimism.