Business Administration, Management and Operations at Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan's business program delivers results that should catch attention, with first-year earnings of $52,070—nearly $10,000 above the state median and $6,000 above the national benchmark. Among South Carolina's 34 business programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, outpacing larger institutions like USC-Columbia and nearly matching Anderson University. The 73rd percentile national ranking reinforces that this isn't just solid for South Carolina—it's competitive on a broader stage.

The debt picture significantly strengthens the value proposition. At $40,323, graduates carry about $13,000 more than the national median, but this debt load sits at just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 is manageable, translating to less than a year's salary to repay. For context, many business programs push ratios above 1.0 or higher.

For families evaluating Southern Wesleyan against state alternatives, this program occupies a practical middle ground: it won't match Charleston Southern's $65,000 starting salaries, but it delivers stronger outcomes than most SC schools while keeping debt relatively contained. The modest 5% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates establish decent footing early, even if they're not on a steep upward trajectory.