Sales & Marketing at Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,682/yr (-70% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (499,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 26 General Sales programs

Program Analysis

Considering a general sales degree from Georgia State, it's crucial to understand the competitive landscape you'll enter. The broad nature of this program often means graduates compete for a wide array of entry-level positions in Atlanta's diverse, but also highly competitive, market. Unlike specialized B2B or technical sales programs that build strong employer pipelines, a general marketing operations degree can lead to roles where initial compensation is lower, and advancement requires significant proactive effort. Many roles in general sales and merchandising face increasing automation risk, which can limit long-term career growth and earning potential. To truly stand out in this environment, you must actively seek out internships that provide specialized product knowledge or delve into technical sales processes. Building a robust professional network and demonstrating tangible skills in data analytics or customer relationship management will be vital for your career progression beyond the initial entry-level opportunities.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sales & Marketing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $344K $359K $357K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.6x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.8x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,912
Out-of-state: $94,836 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,724
-88% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
15.8 months of Year 1 earnings

About Georgia State University

With a 62% acceptance rate, Georgia State University is moderately selective, with 27,109 students enrolled in Atlanta, GA. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Georgia State University →

Top Career Paths

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products $100,070/yr
Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270/yr
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers $84,130/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sales & Marketing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Georgia State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sales & Marketing at Georgia State University?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sales & Marketing programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Sales & Marketing degree from Georgia State University?
At $22,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sales & Marketing at Georgia State University?
The 44% 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.
Is Georgia State University a good choice for Sales & Marketing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Georgia State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →