Compare 20 Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. programs in the South. Average earnings: $39,242.
The highest-earning Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $21K earnings gap across 20 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University Of West Georgia's Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management program leads with graduates earning $50,197. The average across all programs is $39,242, yet regional publics dominate the top spots. University Of Florida follows at $47,348, while Texas State University delivers $45,833—proving specialized programs thrive outside traditional hierarchies.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University Of Florida graduates borrow $15,000 and face just an 8.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. That means loan payments take a manageable bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader.
Highest program earnings: $50,197
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
8.3% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
20.3% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $50,197 | 101 | $23,970 | Good | $15,047 | Challenging | |
| #2 | University Of FloridaPublic | $47,348 | 59 | $15,000 | Good | $18,837 | Challenging |
| #3 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $45,833 | 76 | $21,000 | Manageable | $22,500 | High |
| #4 | $45,730 | 48 | $20,121 | Good | $23,000 | High | |
| #5 | $45,134 | 63 | $19,250 | Good | $23,211 | High | |
| #6 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $42,971 | 61 | $24,000 | Manageable | $18,866 | High |
| #7 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $41,378 | 10 | $22,500 | Manageable | $32,980 | High |
| #8 | $40,846 | 23 | $22,095 | Manageable | $18,310 | High | |
| #9 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $40,638 | 123 | $21,500 | Manageable | $35,463 | High |
| #10 | $38,798 | 47 | $20,000 | Manageable | $14,229 | High | |
| #11 | $38,506 | 36 | $15,954 | Manageable | $12,721 | High | |
| #12 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $37,595 | 13 | $18,000 | Manageable | $17,000 | High |
| #13 | $37,282 | 54 | $19,500 | Challenging | $22,737 | High | |
| #14 | $37,140 | 261 | $16,500 | Manageable | $13,610 | High | |
| #15 | $35,318 | 31 | $20,000 | Challenging | $29,387 | High | |
| #16 | $33,949 | 133 | $20,231 | Challenging | $21,919 | High | |
| #17 | $33,350 | 36 | $21,868 | High | $18,241 | High | |
| #18 | $33,045 | 46 | $22,500 | High | $14,685 | High | |
| #19 | $30,471 | 32 | $28,250 | High | $19,245 | High | |
| #20 | $29,307 | 28 | $19,500 | High | $10,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
