Business Administration, Management and Operations at Paine College

A business degree from Paine College comes with estimated debt of $26,125—right in line with typical Georgia business programs—but peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $44,400. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 sits in reasonable territory, suggesting graduates could manage payments on a standard ten-year plan, though it won't be trivial given that nearly three-quarters of students here receive Pell grants.

What's worth noting is the range of outcomes across Georgia's business schools. While some institutions produce graduates earning $70,000-plus in their first year, the statewide median for business bachelor's degrees matches what similar programs to Paine's suggest. This isn't necessarily a knock on the program—Georgia's business job market varies widely by geography and employer connections, and Augusta's economy differs significantly from Atlanta's.

The practical question is whether this investment makes sense for a student likely managing tight finances. At these estimated figures, annual loan payments would consume roughly 13% of gross income—manageable but meaningful. For families already stretched thin, that matters. If Paine offers strong local employer relationships or internship pipelines in the Augusta area, those connections could offset the earnings gap with top-tier programs. Without confirmed data specific to this program, though, families should dig into placement rates and where recent graduates actually landed jobs before committing.