Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 positions this program in manageable territory—borrowing half your first-year salary is generally considered sustainable. Based on national medians from similar International Business bachelor's programs, first-year earnings around $49,890 with debt near $25,000 suggest monthly loan payments of roughly $280 over ten years, or about 6.7% of gross income. That's well below the concerning threshold where debt begins to constrain career flexibility.
However, Kansas presents a rougher landscape for International Business graduates. The state median sits at $38,801—substantially below the national figure used for Baker's estimate. With only Wichita State reporting actual outcomes (matching that lower Kansas median), there's real uncertainty about whether Baker's graduates align more closely with national patterns or state realities. If outcomes skew toward Kansas norms rather than national ones, that debt burden becomes considerably heavier relative to actual earning power.
The real risk here is geographic. International Business typically thrives in major metro areas with global corporate presence—Kansas City being the nearest hub. Whether Baker's network and curriculum can compete with larger universities for those opportunities matters tremendously. If your child plans to stay in Kansas after graduation, the state's lower earnings pattern becomes the more relevant benchmark, potentially turning that seemingly reasonable debt load into a tighter squeeze than these estimates suggest.
Where Baker University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,900 | $49,890* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $9,322 | $38,801* | $63,327 | $17,399* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Baker University, approximately 24% 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 national median of 103 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.