International Business at Ashford University

Ashford University's International Business program produces striking first-year results—$71,369 in median earnings, placing graduates in the 80th percentile statewide and well above top California programs like San Francisco State ($58,560) and USD ($48,463). The debt load of $27,195 is higher than both state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 remains manageable given those strong initial outcomes.

The major concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 13% decline by year four, dropping to $61,843. This backward slide is unusual and warrants scrutiny—it could reflect the moderate sample size, or it might signal something about job stability or career progression for these graduates. Still, even with that decline, year-four earnings remain substantially above California's median of $48,463 for this program.

For parents weighing this option, the numbers suggest solid immediate returns that outperform most state competitors, though the earnings pattern raises questions about long-term career momentum. The debt level is elevated but not prohibitive at these income levels. This program appears to deliver strong early career positioning in international business, but families should investigate why earnings don't grow during the critical first four years post-graduation—that's the piece of the puzzle that doesn't quite fit.