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Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region

842 Schools Ranked
$39,607 Average Earnings
$22,575 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which business program is right 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. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region ranking is one of many tools that Business Degree Central has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 842 schools in the Southeast Region to see which programs were the most popular for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
6,256 Total Awards
$37,350 Average Earnings
$18,372 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Valencia College the most popular school in the Southeast Region for business students working on their degree. Valencia College is a public institution located in Orlando, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,256 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,372 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $83. Once they receive their degree, Valencia College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,350 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Valencia College Report

5,507 Total Awards
$47,774 Average Earnings
$23,098 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Florida International University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. FIU is a large public school situated in Miami, Florida. It awarded 5,507 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FIU accumulate an average of $23,098 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 $93. During the early years of their career, FIU graduates make an average of $47,774 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Florida International University

#3

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
4,837 Total Awards
$42,319 Average Earnings
$15,086 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 842 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Broward College landed the # 3 spot on the list. BC is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,837 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,086 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, BC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,319 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
4,352 Total Awards
$40,489 Average Earnings
$30,497 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Liberty University is a great place for business students. Liberty University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Lynchburg, Virginia that handed out 4,352 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Liberty University accumulate an average of $30,497 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 $420 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Liberty University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,489 during the early year of their career. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

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#5

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
4,250 Total Awards
$37,255 Average Earnings
$16,593 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Miami Dade College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in the Southeast Region . This large public school is located in Miami, Florida, and it awarded 4,250 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,593 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, MDC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,255 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
4,056 Total Awards
$51,395 Average Earnings
$25,070 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, American Public University System did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. American Military University is located in Charles Town, West Virginia and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,056 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $25,070 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from American Military University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,395 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 35% were women.

Full American Public University System Report

#7

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
3,966 Total Awards
$46,768 Average Earnings
$21,110 Avg Student Debt

University of Georgia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Athens, Georgia, the large public school awarded 3,966 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,110 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $222. During the early years of their career, UGA graduates make an average of $46,768 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Georgia

#8

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
3,385 Total Awards
$44,898 Average Earnings
$24,032 Avg Student Debt

The University of Alabama ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. UA is a large public school situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It awarded 3,385 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UA accumulate an average of $24,032 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 $629. Once they receive their degree, UA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,898 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Full The University of Alabama Report

#9

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
3,351 Total Awards
$44,595 Average Earnings
$22,607 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Florida came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Orlando, Florida, the large public school awarded 3,351 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,607 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $211, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCF graduates make an average of $44,595 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Central Florida Report

#10

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
3,282 Total Awards
$47,342 Average Earnings
$23,887 Avg Student Debt

University of South Carolina - Columbia landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,282 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,887 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $403. Once they receive their degree, UofSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,342 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

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#11

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
3,064 Total Awards
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This large public school is located in Gainesville, Florida, and it awarded 3,064 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. During the early years of their career, UF graduates make an average of $51,332 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read full report on University of Florida

#12

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
3,026 Total Awards
$44,027 Average Earnings
$20,926 Avg Student Debt

Florida State University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. Florida State is a public institution located in Tallahassee, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,026 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,926 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $171, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Florida State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,027 during the early years of their career. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Florida State University Report

2,937 Total Awards
$45,747 Average Earnings
$24,223 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. USF Tampa is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,937 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from USF Tampa accumulate an average of $24,223 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 $177.After graduating from USF Tampa, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,747 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read full report on University of South Florida - Main Campus

#14

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama
2,658 Total Awards
$55,041 Average Earnings
$27,476 Avg Student Debt

Columbia Southern University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. Columbia Southern University is located in Orange Beach, Alabama and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,658 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,476 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Columbia Southern University graduates make an average of $55,041 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Columbia Southern University

#15

Louisiana State University - Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana
2,421 Total Awards
$36,501 Average Earnings
$29,179 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Louisiana State University - Shreveport did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Louisiana State University - Shreveport is a medium-sized public school located in Shreveport, Louisiana that handed out 2,421 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,179 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Louisiana State University - Shreveport graduates make an average of $36,501 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Louisiana State University - Shreveport Report

#16

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida
2,277 Total Awards
$41,241 Average Earnings
$19,613 Avg Student Debt

Florida State College at Jacksonville ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the large public school handed out 2,277 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,613 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, FSCJ graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,241 during the early year of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Florida State College at Jacksonville Report

#17

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
2,162 Total Awards
$43,652 Average Earnings
$21,373 Avg Student Debt

Florida Atlantic University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Florida Atlantic University is a large public school located in Boca Raton, Florida that handed out 2,162 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,373 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $160, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FAU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,652 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Florida Atlantic University

#18

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
2,054 Total Awards
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Wake Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Raleigh, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,054 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Wake Technical Community College accumulate an average of $22,490 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Wake Technical Community College graduates make an average of $34,991 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#19

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
2,049 Total Awards
$49,769 Average Earnings
$22,004 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Auburn University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Auburn is a public institution located in Auburn, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,049 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,004 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $582, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Auburn, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,769 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

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#20

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
2,025 Total Awards
$52,444 Average Earnings
$21,405 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Tech did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #20 on the list. Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,025 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Virginia Tech accumulate an average of $21,405 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 $420 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Virginia Tech graduates make an average of $52,444 annually. Around 37% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
1,977 Total Awards
$47,670 Average Earnings
$22,930 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #21 on the list. UARK is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,977 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UARK accumulate an average of $22,930 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 $332.After graduating from UARK, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,670 during the early years of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,939 Total Awards
$44,189 Average Earnings
$22,232 Avg Student Debt

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is a large public school located in Knoxville, Tennessee that handed out 1,939 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 40% were women.

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#23

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
1,883 Total Awards
$56,435 Average Earnings
$22,883 Avg Student Debt

George Mason University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This large public school is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and it awarded 1,883 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,883 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $355.After graduating from GMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,435 during the early years of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on George Mason University

#24

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
1,841 Total Awards
$49,709 Average Earnings
$20,889 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 1,841 degrees in 2020-2021.

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.After graduating from NC State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,709 during the early years of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on North Carolina State University

#25

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia
1,760 Total Awards
$43,507 Average Earnings
$27,737 Avg Student Debt

Georgia State University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in the Southeast Region list. Georgia State is a large public school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It awarded 1,760 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Georgia State accumulate an average of $27,737 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 $138 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Georgia State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,507 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Georgia State University

Not only did these schools make the top 49 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#27

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia
#28

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#29

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
#31

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
#32

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#33

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana
#34

University of Mississippi

University, Mississippi
#35

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
#36

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#37

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#40

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia
#41

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida
#42

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
#44

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
#45

College of Central Florida

Ocala, Florida
#46

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
#47

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi
#48

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
#49

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia
#50

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
#51

The University of Tampa

Tampa, Florida

View Most Popular Business Schools Nationwide >

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

Rank School Location
51 The University of Tampa Tampa, FL
52 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
53 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
54 Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
55 Campbellsville University Campbellsville, KY
56 Strayer University - Virginia Arlington, VA
57 Belhaven University Jackson, MS
58 Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GA
59 Troy University Troy, AL
60 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
60 Emory University Atlanta, GA
62 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
63 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
64 Strayer University - Georgia Atlanta, GA
65 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
66 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
67 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY
68 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
69 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA
70 Eastern Florida State College Cocoa, FL
71 Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GA
72 Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
73 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
74 Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GA
75 Elon University Elon, NC
76 Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FL
77 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
77 St Petersburg College Clearwater, FL
79 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
80 Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL
81 Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN
82 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY
83 Rasmussen University - Florida Ocala, FL
84 Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA
85 College of Charleston Charleston, SC
86 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL
87 Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL
88 University of Charleston Charleston, WV
89 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
90 Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC
91 Albany Technical College Albany, GA
91 Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NC
93 The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN
94 Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GA
95 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
96 Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GA
97 University of North Alabama Florence, AL
98 Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL
99 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS
100 The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL
101 Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA
102 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
103 Mercer University Macon, GA
104 Strayer University - North Carolina Morrisville, NC
104 Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC
106 Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin, GA
107 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
108 University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA
109 University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR
110 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
111 Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA
112 Faulkner University Montgomery, AL
113 Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN
114 Gaston College Dallas, NC
114 Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL
116 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
117 University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL
118 Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA
119 Regent University Virginia Beach, VA
119 Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR
119 Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA
122 University of Management and Technology Arlington, VA
123 Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN
124 Polk State College Winter Haven, FL
125 Pitt Community College Winterville, NC
125 High Point University High Point, NC
127 Lanier Technical College Oakwood, GA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular business schools ranking:

Rank School Location
128 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NC
129 West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KY
130 Barry University Miami, FL
131 University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR
132 Marshall University Huntington, WV
133 Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, GA
134 Lynn University Boca Raton, FL
135 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY
135 Full Sail University Winter Park, FL
137 Murray State University Murray, KY
138 Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC
139 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA
140 Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA
141 Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Bowling Green, KY
142 Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC
142 Bethel University McKenzie, TN
144 Florida Institute of Technology - Online Melbourne, FL
145 Stetson University DeLand, FL
146 ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA
147 Belmont University Nashville, TN
148 Pensacola State College Pensacola, FL
149 Georgia Military College Milledgeville, GA
150 Rollins College Winter Park, FL
150 Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville, GA
152 Athens State University Athens, AL
153 Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
154 Sullivan University Louisville, KY
155 North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC
156 Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC
156 Clayton State University Morrow, GA
158 Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KY
159 West Georgia Technical College Waco, GA
160 Strayer University - South Carolina Greenville, SC
161 Trident Technical College Charleston, SC
162 Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston, GA
162 Campbell University Buies Creek, NC
164 Catawba Valley Community College Hickory, NC
165 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
165 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS
167 The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TN
167 Flagler College - St Augustine Saint Augustine, FL
169 SOWELA Technical Community College Lake Charles, LA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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