Analysis
Young Harris College's finance program carries an estimated debt load of $25,812βslightly above both state and national mediansβfor projected first-year earnings around $51,044. Based on comparable finance programs in Georgia, that puts graduates near the state median but roughly $16,000 behind what University of Georgia produces and about $5,000 below Georgia State. For a private liberal arts college in the mountains, these peer-program figures suggest outcomes closer to regional state universities than flagship institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 falls within manageable territory, meaning graduates from similar programs typically earn about twice what they owe. However, finance is a field where institutional reputation and alumni networks matter significantly, and Young Harris's small size (reflected in the suppressed data) means fewer built-in connections to Atlanta's financial sector compared to programs at Georgia State or UGA. Programs like this one often emphasize personal attention and mentorship, but you'll want to investigate whether the school compensates for its limited scale through strong employer relationships or internship pipelines.
Given that these are estimates from peer programs rather than Young Harris's actual graduate outcomes, you're making a decision with incomplete information. If your child is drawn to the close-knit environment and has clarified how they'll access finance opportunities from a rural campus, the debt picture appears workableβbut confirm the school's placement track record before committing.
Where Young Harris College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,305 | $51,044* | β | $25,812* | β | |
| $11,180 | $67,444* | $81,652 | $20,299* | 0.30 | |
| $8,478 | $56,344* | $65,600 | $24,250* | 0.43 | |
| $5,786 | $54,428* | $63,121 | $25,000* | 0.46 | |
| $5,971 | $52,078* | $61,509 | $25,571* | 0.49 | |
| $5,009 | $51,044* | $62,580 | $16,650* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 Young Harris College, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.