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2023 Best Business Schools in the Southeast Region

$39,607 Average Earnings
$22,575 Avg Student Debt

There are so many business programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this <nil> ranking.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Business Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
$71,290 Average Earnings
$19,762 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Duke University to be the best school for business students in the Southeast Region .

On average, students take out $19,762 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $727 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Duke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $71,290 during the early years of their career.

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#2

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
$58,809 Average Earnings
$18,266 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Virginia - Main Campus. The school came in at #2 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $18,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $383. Once they receive their degree, University of Virginia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,809 during the early year of their career.

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#3

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
$66,962 Average Earnings
$14,392 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Vanderbilt University is a great place for business students.

Degree recipients from Vanderbilt accumulate an average of $14,392 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $644. Once they receive their degree, Vanderbilt graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $66,962 during the early year of their career.

Full Vanderbilt University Report

$72,002 Average Earnings
$23,699 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus. The school came in at #4 on this year’s list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,699 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $444.After graduating from Georgia Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $72,002 during the early years of their career.

Full Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Report

#5

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
$56,204 Average Earnings
$19,081 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Emory University is a great place for business students.

On average, students take out $19,081 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $526, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Emory, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,204 during the early years of their career.

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#6

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
$51,808 Average Earnings
$16,358 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill landed the #6 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,358 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $300, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,808 during the early years of their career.

Full University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Report

#7

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, Virginia
$54,673 Average Earnings
$19,229 Avg Student Debt

Washington and Lee University landed the #7 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,229 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $838, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Washington and Lee graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,673 during the early year of their career.

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$60,399 Average Earnings
$21,870 Avg Student Debt

University of Management and Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #8 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,870 in student loans. During the early years of their career, University of Management and Technology graduates make an average of $60,399 annually.

Read full report on University of Management and Technology

#9

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
$55,309 Average Earnings
$17,222 Avg Student Debt

Wake Forest University landed the #9 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,222 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Wake Forest University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,309 during the early year of their career.

Full Wake Forest University Report

#10

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
$52,444 Average Earnings
$21,405 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Tech did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #10 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,405 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $420. During the early years of their career, Virginia Tech graduates make an average of $52,444 annually.

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#11

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, Virginia
$49,274 Average Earnings
$20,430 Avg Student Debt

University of Richmond came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $20,430 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $573, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from URichmond, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,274 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Richmond Report

#12

Elon University

Elon, North Carolina
$53,723 Average Earnings
$17,558 Avg Student Debt

Elon University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #12 on the list.

On average, students take out $17,558 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $724. During the early years of their career, Elon graduates make an average of $53,723 annually.

Read full report on Elon University

#13

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
$46,768 Average Earnings
$21,110 Avg Student Debt

University of Georgia ranked #13 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from UGA accumulate an average of $21,110 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $222, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UGA graduates make an average of $46,768 annually.

Full University of Georgia Report

#14

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, Florida
$36,889 Average Earnings
$19,514 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida-Online did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #14 on the list.

On average, students take out $19,514 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208.After graduating from UF Online, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,889 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Florida-Online

#15

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
$46,195 Average Earnings
$20,564 Avg Student Debt

James Madison University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $20,564 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $394. During the early years of their career, JMU graduates make an average of $46,195 annually.

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#16

William & Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia
$47,762 Average Earnings
$18,131 Avg Student Debt

William & Mary came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $18,131 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $447. Once they receive their degree, William & Mary graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,762 during the early year of their career.

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#17

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida landed the #17 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from UF accumulate an average of $18,875 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UF graduates make an average of $51,332 annually.

Full University of Florida Report

#18

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
$49,709 Average Earnings
$20,889 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina State University landed the #18 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,889 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $285, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NC State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,709 during the early year of their career.

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#19

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
$49,769 Average Earnings
$22,004 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Auburn University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,004 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $582, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Auburn graduates make an average of $49,769 annually.

Full Auburn University Report

#20

Furman University

Greenville, South Carolina
$34,902 Average Earnings
$21,956 Avg Student Debt

Furman University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Degree recipients from Furman accumulate an average of $21,956 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Furman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,902 during the early year of their career.

Full Furman University Report

#21

University of Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia
$61,717 Average Earnings
$22,697 Avg Student Debt

University of Charleston came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Degree recipients from UC accumulate an average of $22,697 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, UC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,717 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Charleston

$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #22 on the list.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $127 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Florida, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,940 during the early years of their career.

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$44,189 Average Earnings
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

Degree recipients from UT Knoxville accumulate an average of $22,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $325 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UT Knoxville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,189 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#24

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, Virginia
$34,456 Average Earnings
$21,991 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Christopher Newport University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,991 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $432.After graduating from CNU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,456 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Christopher Newport University

#25

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
$46,152 Average Earnings
$23,253 Avg Student Debt

Citadel Military College of South Carolina landed the #25 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,253 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $501 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from The Citadel, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,152 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Rest of the Top 50 Best Business Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
#27

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#28

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
#30

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
#31

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#32

Chattahoochee Technical College

Marietta, Georgia
#33

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#34

Wofford College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
#35

Rhodes College

Memphis, Tennessee
#36

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
#37

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
#38

Bryan College - Dayton

Dayton, Tennessee
#39

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#41

Hampden - Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
#42

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
#44

Randolph - Macon College

Ashland, Virginia
#45

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana
#46

Athens State University

Athens, Alabama
#47

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
#48

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
#49

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
#50

Belmont University

Nashville, Tennessee

Rest of the Top 15% Best Business Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 John Tyler Community College Chester, VA
52 John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR
53 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
54 Herzing University - Kenner Kenner, LA
55 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
56 Samford University Birmingham, AL
57 Marymount University Arlington, VA
58 Harding University Searcy, AR
59 West Georgia Technical College Waco, GA
60 University of Mississippi University, MS

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
61 Thomas More University Crestview Hills, KY
62 University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA
63 Roanoke College Salem, VA
64 Presbyterian College Clinton, SC
65 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
66 Bluefield College Bluefield, VA
67 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL
68 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA
69 Herzing University - Atlanta Atlanta, GA
70 Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KY
71 Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, NC
72 Belmont Abbey College Belmont, NC
73 Reynolds Community College Richmond, VA
74 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
75 Jefferson State Community College Birmingham, AL
76 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
77 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
78 Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin, GA
79 Augusta University Augusta, GA
80 University of South Florida - Main Campus Tampa, FL

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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