Business Administration, Management and Operations at Georgian Court University

Georgian Court's business program starts graduates nearly $10,000 below the typical New Jersey business grad, and the gap widens when you compare it to Rutgers ($59,000) or Stevens ($71,000). At the 25th percentile statewide, three-quarters of New Jersey business programs deliver stronger first-year outcomes. The $26,000 debt load is right at the national median, but when paired with $36,000 starting earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio that's manageable but leaves little room for financial missteps early in your career.

The good news is the 39% earnings jump to nearly $50,000 by year four, which outpaces typical wage growth and suggests graduates do find their footing in the job market. However, even at that level, they're still earning less than the state median starting salary for this major. This pattern—starting behind and catching up somewhat but never quite closing the gap—is worth considering carefully, especially when other New Jersey options offer significantly stronger launch points for similar or even lower debt.

For families prioritizing value, this program presents a challenging proposition. The earnings trajectory shows promise, but you're essentially betting on a delayed payoff while managing debt that assumes you'll hit the higher earnings mark. If Georgian Court offers other compelling reasons—location, scholarship, or specific supports—it might work, but purely from a return-on-investment standpoint, New Jersey families have stronger business program options.