Business Administration, Management and Operations at Young Harris College

Young Harris College carries a $23,375 debt load for its business administration program—below both state and national medians—but the earnings picture remains uncertain. First-year outcomes aren't directly reported for this small program, though comparable business programs across Georgia suggest starting salaries around $44,000. By year four, graduates earn $50,000, which lags the state's top programs but tracks reasonably with mid-tier offerings.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 looks manageable on paper, assuming the state-based estimate holds. That translates to roughly half a year's salary in loans—a threshold many financial advisors consider sustainable. However, Georgia's business landscape shows enormous variation: graduates from UGA or Georgia Tech earn 30-50% more in comparable roles, while peer schools like Morehouse command similar premiums. Young Harris serves a different market than these flagship institutions, but that gap matters when loan payments come due.

The practical reality: if your child lands near that $44,000 estimate, the debt is workable but leaves little cushion for setbacks. The four-year bump to $50,000 suggests steady progression rather than explosive growth. Without confirmed outcomes specific to Young Harris, you're banking on this small program's graduates performing similarly to Georgia's broader business cohort—a reasonable assumption, but not a guarantee backed by this school's track record.