International Business at California State University-San Marcos

Cal State San Marcos graduates with international business degrees earn $55,455 in their first year—about $7,000 more than the California median for this program and $5,500 above the national average. Among California's 21 schools offering this degree, that places graduates around the 60th percentile, trailing only the top private universities and one peer CSU campus. The debt picture is even more favorable: at $15,965, graduates carry roughly $8,000 less than what's typical nationally for this program.

The 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary, putting them in a strong position to manage repayment while building their careers. This is particularly notable given that 44% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program delivers solid economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. However, the combination of above-average earnings, below-average debt, and accessible admission (96% acceptance rate) suggests this program offers a practical path into international business without the premium price tag of private alternatives. For California families looking to keep costs down while accessing decent earning potential, this represents a reasonable option.