Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Butler's International Business program shows promising mid-career outcomes, with graduates earning $66,305 four years out—well above what peer programs typically produce in the first year. The estimated $25,000 debt load, derived from similar private institutions nationally, translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year projections of around $50,000. That's a reasonable starting point for a business degree from a private university, though families should recognize these figures come from comparable programs rather than Butler's own graduate outcomes.
The trajectory matters here. While we can't track Butler's specific graduates, the jump from estimated first-year earnings to actual four-year figures suggests solid career progression in international business roles. With only 14% of students receiving Pell grants, Butler draws a relatively affluent student body that may benefit from networking advantages in business fields, though this also means less economic diversity in the classroom.
The bottom line: Butler's international business graduates appear to be progressing well financially by year four, and the debt burden looks sustainable based on typical private university borrowing patterns. However, you're making this decision with limited visibility into the program's actual outcomes. For a family comfortable with private school tuition, the four-year earnings data provides some reassurance, but the estimated nature of the debt and early earnings figures means you'll need to rely more on Butler's overall reputation and career services than hard data specific to this major.
Where Butler University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butler University | — | $66,305 | — |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | +44% |
| Georgetown University | $81,800 | $101,821 | +24% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $66,591 | $94,010 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $57,941 | $92,663 | +60% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
International Business bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,980 | $49,890* | $66,305 | $25,000* | — | |
| $65,081 | $81,800* | $101,821 | $14,447* | 0.18 | |
| $63,141 | $80,848* | $91,133 | $25,729* | 0.32 | |
| $64,701 | $74,529* | $86,976 | $22,250* | 0.30 | |
| $13,160 | $71,369* | $61,843 | $27,195* | 0.38 | |
| $12,688 | $70,992* | $89,299 | $25,174* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Butler University, approximately 14% 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.