International Business at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green's International Business program delivers graduates earning $53,188 in their first year—solid money that beats the national median by $3,300. However, that same performance falls short within Ohio, where this program ranks in just the 40th percentile. Students here earn roughly $4,000 less than peers at Ohio State or the various Ohio University campuses, all clustered around $57,400. For families comparing in-state options, that gap matters over a career.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $27,000, graduates carry manageable borrowing that ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. The 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about half their first year's salary, a reasonable threshold that most can handle with standard 10-year repayment plans. Given Bowling Green's 81% admission rate, this accessibility combined with below-average debt makes it a viable path for students who might struggle to gain admission to Ohio State.

The real question is whether the $4,000 earnings difference justifies exploring other Ohio public options first. If your child can get into one of the stronger Ohio programs, that extra earning power compounds significantly over time. But if Bowling Green offers the most realistic admission path and your family prioritizes keeping debt low, the combination of decent earnings and minimal borrowing creates a workable—if not exceptional—foundation for an international business career.