Business Administration, Management and Operations at Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe's business program starts graduates at just under $41,000—roughly $5,000 below both the Georgia and national medians for business degrees. Among Georgia's 54 business programs, that first-year number places Oglethorpe in the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten programs produce stronger immediate outcomes. However, the trajectory changes dramatically: by year four, earnings jump 43% to $58,000, vaulting graduates well above both state and national medians. That's a meaningful reversal, though it also raises questions about why initial placement lags when the admission profile (1230 SAT, 60% acceptance rate) suggests reasonably competitive students.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at national norms for business programs and won't create unmanageable burden even at the lower starting salary. The 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio is workable, particularly given Atlanta's robust business ecosystem and the strong mid-career growth pattern. Still, the gap between Oglethorpe and top Georgia programs is substantial—Emory and Georgia Tech graduates earn roughly double in year one, and even UGA's business school starts $16,000 higher.

For families prioritizing Atlanta location and a smaller school environment, Oglethorpe becomes viable if your student can secure merit aid to reduce that debt figure. The earnings growth suggests the degree gains traction with time. But if your child qualifies for UGA or Georgia State, those programs deliver stronger immediate returns with similar or lower debt.