Analysis
Comparable international business programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $49,890, which translates to a modest but manageable debt burden of roughly $21,500 for this online degree program. The estimated 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the warning threshold of 1.0, though it's worth noting these figures are derived from peer institutions rather than CSU Global's actual graduate outcomes due to small sample sizes in federal reporting.
The four-year earnings jump to nearly $60,000 indicates decent income growth potential, though this trajectory appears fairly standard for business graduates rather than exceptional. With only two programs reporting in Colorado—and CSU Global being one of them—there's limited state-level comparison available. The program's online format at a 93% admission rate institution serves a different student population than traditional campuses, which may explain both the limited graduate cohort size and the need for estimated figures.
For parents weighing this investment, the numbers suggest reasonable financial risk based on what similar programs produce, but the lack of school-specific outcomes means you're essentially betting on CSU Global matching its peers' performance. If your student needs the flexibility of online learning and can secure this degree near the estimated debt level, the math works. If actual costs run significantly higher or your student could access a comparable program with reported outcomes, those alternatives deserve serious consideration.
Where Colorado State University Global 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | — | $59,539 | — |
| 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 Denver | $48,940 | $64,023 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (2 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,400 | $49,890* | $59,539 | $21,500* | — | |
| $59,340 | $48,940* | $64,023 | $21,742* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Colorado State University Global, approximately 24% 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.