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$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 rankings named Duke University the best school in the Southeast Region for business students working on their degree.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,762 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $727, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Duke graduates make an average of $71,290 annually.

Read full report on Duke University

#2

University of Virginia - Main Campus

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

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Virginia - Main Campus is a great place for business students.

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.

Read full report on University of Virginia - Main Campus

#3

Vanderbilt University

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #3 on our list.

On average, students take out $14,392 in loans while pursuing 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.

Read full report on Vanderbilt University

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

The excellent programs at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in the Southeast Region .

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. Once they receive their degree, Georgia Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $72,002 during the early year of their career.

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#5

Emory University

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

Out of the 398 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Emory University landed the # 5 spot on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,081 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $526. During the early years of their career, Emory graduates make an average of $56,204 annually.

Read full report on Emory University

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #6 on the list.

Degree recipients from UNC Chapel Hill accumulate an average of $16,358 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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.

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#7

Washington and Lee University

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

Washington and Lee University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,229 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $838 if they 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 ranked #8 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $21,870 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, University of Management and Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $60,399 during the early year of their career.

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

With a ranking of #9, Wake Forest University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

Degree recipients from Wake Forest University accumulate an average of $17,222 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 $644 if they 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 landed the #10 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 $21,405 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $420. Once they receive their degree, Virginia Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,444 during the early year of their career.

Full Virginia Tech Report

#11

University of Richmond

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

University of Richmond landed the #11 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from URichmond accumulate an average of $20,430 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 $573. During the early years of their career, URichmond graduates make an average of $49,274 annually.

Full University of Richmond Report

#12

Elon University

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

Elon University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Degree recipients from Elon accumulate an average of $17,558 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $724, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $222 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UGA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,768 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Georgia

#14

University of Florida-Online

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

University of Florida-Online came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Degree recipients from UF Online accumulate an average of $19,514 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 $208. Once they receive their degree, UF Online graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,889 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#15

James Madison University

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

James Madison University ranked #15 on this year’s list.

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.After graduating from JMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,195 during the early years of their career.

Full James Madison University Report

#16

William & Mary

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

William & Mary ranked #16 on this year’s list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,131 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $447, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, William & Mary graduates make an average of $47,762 annually.

Full William & Mary Report

#17

University of Florida

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

With a ranking of #17, University of Florida 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 $18,875 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $207.After graduating from UF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,332 during the early years of their career.

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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #18 on the list.

On average, students take out $20,889 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $285. 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.

Full North Carolina State University Report

#19

Auburn University

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

Auburn University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #19 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,004 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $582. 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 landed the #20 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 $21,956 in student loans.After graduating from Furman, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,902 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Furman University

#21

University of Charleston

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

University of Charleston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #21 on the list.

Degree recipients from UC accumulate an average of $22,697 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from UC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,717 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

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

Rasmussen University - Florida ranked #22 on this year’s 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. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Florida graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,940 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

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

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #23 on the list.

On average, students take out $22,232 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $325, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Knoxville, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,189 during the early years 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

Christopher Newport University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

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 More…

#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 ranked #25 on this year’s list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,253 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $501, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, The Citadel graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,152 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

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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