Analysis
Based on comparable International Business programs in Ohio, Ashland's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $57,400—squarely aligned with the state median and notably stronger than the $49,900 national benchmark. The estimated $25,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would need less than half their first year's salary to cover their educational borrowing. That's a reasonable position for entering the workforce.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt figures estimated from peer programs rather than Ashland's actual outcomes, you're making decisions with incomplete information. Ohio's International Business programs cluster tightly around this $57,400 earnings mark—from Ohio State's main campus to its regional branches—suggesting consistency across the state. However, Ashland's 81% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores place it in a different tier than flagship programs, which could mean its actual outcomes differ from the state average.
If your child is set on International Business and values Ashland's environment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable financial proposition. But recognize you're relying on statewide patterns, not this school's track record. Before committing, push the admissions office for career placement data: where do their graduates actually land jobs, and at what starting salaries? The estimated figures provide a starting point, not certainty.
Where Ashland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,910 | $57,396* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $12,859 | $57,678* | $69,493 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $49,890* | — | $23,472* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
Business Continuity Planners
Sustainability Specialists
Online Merchants
Security Management Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ashland University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.