Analysis
Peer international business programs in Florida suggest first-year earnings around $46,000—roughly in line with what this bachelor's degree might deliver, though notably below the national median of $49,890. The estimated $25,000 debt load is higher than Florida's typical $17,500 for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 that skews above what comparable programs produce. For context, University of North Florida graduates earn about $49,000 while Florida International University grads start at $45,600—brackets that frame the likely range here.
The larger concern is Bethune-Cookman's student profile: 77% receive Pell grants and the institution admits virtually all applicants, suggesting many students arrive with significant financial constraints. International business careers often benefit from unpaid internships, study abroad experiences, and geographic mobility—opportunities that may be harder to access when you're managing substantial debt from day one. The degree-to-earnings picture isn't dire, but it's compressed compared to peers.
Given the estimation uncertainty and the financial realities of the student body, families should verify the school's actual job placement outcomes and employer connections in international business specifically. This matters more here than at programs where reported data confirms graduate success. If direct pathways to employers aren't evident, that $25,000 debt becomes harder to justify when similar programs across Florida carry less financial burden.
Where Bethune-Cookman University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,794 | $46,354* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $6,389 | $49,379* | $56,391 | $15,500* | 0.31 | |
| $33,424 | $48,149* | $74,400 | $25,250* | 0.52 | |
| $4,879 | $47,047* | $60,027 | $17,500* | 0.37 | |
| $6,565 | $45,661* | $56,343 | $17,750* | 0.39 | |
| $6,410 | $44,096* | $53,207 | $16,936* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Bethune-Cookman University, approximately 77% 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 6 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.