Business at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Commerce, General
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
60
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,819/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #153 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $597K $589K $534K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 60 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$37,500
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,314
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Mercer University's Business graduates start at $52,819/yr — above the $48,211 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $37,500 against $52,819/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #153 ranking among 242 Business programs places Mercer University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 27% earnings increase from $52,819 to $67,314 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Mercer University

Mercer University's 66% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business at Mercer University?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business at Mercer University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →