Business/Commerce at South University-Savannah

A $32,810 debt load for an associate's degree in business raises immediate concerns, especially when comparable programs nationally carry less than half that burden. Peer institutions typically report median debt around $13,437 for this credential, meaning students here are borrowing at more than twice the national rate for similar programs. The estimated first-year earnings of $36,591 produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90—manageable in theory, but tight for graduates who likely need every dollar from those early paychecks.

What makes this harder to assess is the four-year earnings figure: $34,651, which sits below even the first-year estimate. This backward trajectory could reflect data quirks rather than actual declining wages, but it suggests caution about assuming steady income growth. Meanwhile, other Georgia business programs report stronger outcomes—graduates from comparable schools in the state are clearing $43,000-$44,000 early on, suggesting South University-Savannah's students may be entering different job markets or industries despite similar credentials.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether the specific advantages here—location, scheduling, support services—justify borrowing at double the typical rate. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, many families will be stretching to cover even the remaining costs. Unless this program offers clear pathways to higher-paying opportunities than peer schools provide, that debt gap should prompt serious comparison shopping among Georgia's other business programs.