Analysis
UGA's Business/Managerial Economics program starts graduates at a modest $53,000—roughly on par with the national median—but the trajectory tells a more compelling story. Within four years, earnings jump to $74,548, a 40% increase that substantially outpaces what most business economics programs deliver. This strong growth pattern, combined with below-average debt of $22,419, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that's manageable from day one and becomes increasingly favorable as graduates advance.
Within Georgia, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it solidly above the state median of $49,368 and ahead of larger competitors like Georgia State and Kennesaw State. For in-state students paying UGA's lower tuition, this combination of strong earnings growth and reasonable debt makes particular sense. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence that these outcomes are reliable, not statistical noise.
The bottom line: This isn't a flashy high-earner out of the gate, but it's a program that rewards patience. If your child is willing to build experience over several years rather than chasing the highest starting salary, UGA delivers solid earnings momentum with debt levels that won't constrain their early career choices.
Where University of Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $53,094 | $74,548 | +40% |
| Georgia College & State University | $49,187 | $77,352 | +57% |
| Kennesaw State University | $51,932 | $60,758 | +17% |
| Georgia State University | $49,368 | $60,715 | +23% |
| Georgia Southern University | $39,233 | $56,461 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $53,094 | $74,548 | $22,419 | 0.42 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $51,932 | $60,758 | $22,250 | 0.43 |
 Georgia State UniversityAtlanta | $8,478 | $49,368 | $60,715 | $19,500 | 0.39 |
 Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville | $8,998 | $49,187 | $77,352 | — | — |
 Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro | $5,905 | $39,233 | $56,461 | $29,580 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 University of Georgia, approximately 17% 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 110 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.