Business/Commerce at Mercer University

Mercer's business program outperforms 80% of Georgia business schools and stands well above both state and national medians—but that performance comes at a price. With $51,452 in median debt (nearly double the national average for business programs), graduates are starting their careers with substantially more financial burden than peers at competing schools.

The numbers work, but barely. First-year earnings of $52,819 cover the debt with a 0.97 ratio, and strong 25% earnings growth over four years shows graduates gaining traction in the market. Still, when University of Georgia business grads earn $61,000 first year with similar debt levels, and Georgia Southern likely offers comparable outcomes at lower cost, the value equation gets tighter. The 80th percentile state ranking is impressive, placing Mercer graduates ahead of most in-state competitors, but you're essentially paying private school prices for solid—not exceptional—outcomes.

For families who can manage the debt load without excessive strain, Mercer delivers competitive placement and earnings trajectory. But if this debt level requires maxing out federal loans or taking on significant parent PLUS debt, compare carefully against UGA (if admission is viable) or strong state schools where similar career outcomes may come with $20,000-$30,000 less debt.