Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$48,463
Est. from CA median (9 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$25,000
Est. from national median (33 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

California's international business programs span a remarkable range, with outcomes varying by over $20,000 even among state schools. California Baptist's program, based on estimates from similar programs across the state, suggests first-year earnings around $48,000—right at California's median but trailing the stronger performers like San Francisco State ($58,560) and Cal State San Marcos ($55,455). That gap matters when you're comparing tuition costs and career trajectories in a competitive field.

The estimated $25,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is better than the typical business graduate faces nationally. For a private Christian university serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (41%), these numbers suggest the program isn't pricing students into financial strain. However, parents should recognize that "international business" as a bachelor's degree often competes directly with general business administration, economics, or even supply chain management programs that may offer clearer career pathways or stronger employer pipelines.

The real question is whether CBU's specific program features—its internship connections, faculty networks, or global partnerships—can push graduates above that state median. Since we're working with estimates rather than this school's actual track record, talking directly with recent alumni and the career services office becomes essential. You need to know if CBU graduates are landing roles that justify private school tuition, or if your student might achieve similar outcomes at a CSU campus for considerably less.

Where California Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$48,463*—$25,000*—
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$71,369*$61,843$27,195*0.38
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco$7,424$58,560*$58,508$22,374*0.38
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco$58,222$57,780*$69,821$25,000*0.43
California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos$7,739$55,455*—$15,965*0.29
University of San DiegoSan Diego$56,444$48,463*$76,666$19,197*0.40
National Median—$49,890*—$23,472*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

All business operations specialists not listed separately.

Business Continuity Planners

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.

Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Online Merchants

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Security Management Specialists

Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.

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 California Baptist University, approximately 41% 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 9 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.