International Business at Caldwell University

Based on peer programs in New Jersey, this International Business degree comes with roughly $25,000 in debt and first-year earnings around $45,400—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that sits in manageable territory. That mirrors the state median for this field, though it trails the national benchmark of about $50,000 by roughly $4,500. For context, New Jersey's International Business programs vary dramatically in outcomes, from Rider's $53,000 starting salary down to Berkeley College's $22,000, so Caldwell appears to land squarely in the middle of the state's range.

The estimated debt load is slightly below the national median for this major, which matters given that nearly half of Caldwell's students receive Pell grants. A ratio under 0.6 typically allows graduates breathing room in those critical early career years when establishing financial footing. The gap between New Jersey's typical outcomes and the national median suggests regional market conditions may play a role—something worth investigating through Caldwell's career services data on where graduates actually land jobs and in what roles.

Given the limitations of estimated data, request placement statistics and alumni outcomes directly from the university. Ask specifically about employer partnerships and whether graduates stay in the competitive but expensive New York metro area or find positions elsewhere. The fundamentals look workable, but you'll want actual graduate experiences to confirm whether this investment makes sense for your family's situation.