Business/Commerce at Strayer University-Georgia
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Strayer University-Georgia's business program delivers strong earnings outcomes but comes with a significant debt burden that requires careful consideration. Graduates earn $55,431 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Georgia business programs and well above both the national median ($47,506) and Georgia state median ($41,446). This places the program among the top performers in the state, trailing only elite institutions like UGA and Augusta University.
However, the financial trade-off is substantial. With median debt of $56,517, students graduate owing more than twice the national average for business programs ($26,000) and significantly more than the Georgia average ($26,254). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.02 means graduates owe roughly equivalent to their first year's salary—manageable but not ideal. The modest 8% earnings growth over four years suggests income progression may be limited compared to other fields.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether the premium earnings justify the premium price. The program does deliver on income—graduates out-earn peers at most Georgia schools—but 78% of students receive Pell grants, indicating many families may struggle with the debt load. This could work for students confident about their career trajectory in business, but families should have a clear plan for managing the substantial debt burden.
Where Strayer University-Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Strayer University-Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Strayer University-Georgia graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Georgia | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 |
| University of Georgia | $60,895 | — | $25,092 | 0.41 |
| Augusta University | $60,541 | — | $18,531 | 0.31 |
| DeVry University-Georgia | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 |
| Mercer University | $52,819 | $66,047 | $51,452 | 0.97 |
| Covenant College | $46,628 | — | $21,600 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia Athens | $11,180 | $60,895 | $25,092 |
| Augusta University Augusta | $8,122 | $60,541 | $18,531 |
| DeVry University-Georgia Decatur | $17,488 | $57,020 | $47,236 |
| Mercer University Macon | $40,890 | $52,819 | $51,452 |
| Covenant College Lookout Mountain | $40,464 | $46,628 | $21,600 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Strayer University-Georgia, approximately 78% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 2487 graduates with reported earnings and 3815 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.