Analysis
Kennesaw State's Business/Managerial Economics program performs solidly within Georgia, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful advantage for in-state students who'll pay roughly $11,000 annually in tuition versus $28,000 at private alternatives. First-year graduates earn $51,932, which trails the national median slightly but beats most Georgia competitors except UGA. By year four, earnings climb to $60,758, representing healthy 17% growth that suggests graduates are advancing rather than stalling early in their careers.
The $22,250 median debt sits exactly at the national median, producing a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. For context, this means a student could reasonably pay off their debt within 2-3 years on an aggressive repayment plan while still covering living expenses. The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes reflect typical experiences rather than outliers.
For Georgia families weighing state schools, Kennesaw delivers comparable value to Georgia State at a campus that may feel more accessible given its 69% admission rate. You're getting middle-of-the-pack national outcomes at in-state prices, with debt levels that won't define your child's twenties. The program won't catapult them to the top of the earnings distribution, but it provides a practical foundation for business careers without the financial strain that should actually keep parents awake at night.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kennesaw State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $51,932 | $60,758 | +17% |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,187 | $77,352 | +57% |
| University of Georgia | $53,094 | $74,548 | +40% |
| Georgia State University | $49,368 | $60,715 | +23% |
| Georgia Southern University | $39,233 | $56,461 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,786 | $51,932 | $60,758 | $22,250 | 0.43 | |
| $11,180 | $53,094 | $74,548 | $22,419 | 0.42 | |
| $8,478 | $49,368 | $60,715 | $19,500 | 0.39 | |
| $8,998 | $49,187 | $77,352 | — | — | |
| $5,905 | $39,233 | $56,461 | $29,580 | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Kennesaw State 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.