International Business at Georgian Court University

Georgian Court's International Business program comes with an estimated $25,000 in debt—slightly below the national median—but the earnings picture based on comparable New Jersey programs suggests a manageable if modest return. Similar programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $45,000, which creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. That's reasonable territory: graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about half their first year's salary if they focused entirely on it, though the reality will obviously be more stretched out.

The challenge is that these estimates place the program squarely in the middle of New Jersey's range, well below what Rider University grads earn (over $53,000) but substantially better than some alternatives. Without actual outcome data for Georgian Court specifically, there's real uncertainty about where this program lands within that spectrum. The school's 71% admission rate and 30% Pell grant population suggest a student body with varied preparation levels, which could affect individual outcomes significantly.

For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest neither a red flag nor a slam dunk. If your child has strong networking skills and the drive to pursue internships in New York's financial district or corporate New Jersey, international business can open doors that justify this debt level. But if they're uncertain about the business path or prefer a more supportive academic environment, the lack of actual outcome data means you're making this decision with less visibility than you'd have at schools where graduate earnings are fully reported.