International Business at Concordia College at Moorhead

At $49,890, the estimated first-year earnings for this International Business degree trail significantly behind Minnesota's median of $64,978 for the same credential. That's a $15,000 gap compared to what comparable programs in the state typically deliver—roughly 23% lower than peer schools like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Given that International Business programs operate in the same competitive job market, this suggests Concordia's graduates may face challenges securing the higher-paying corporate positions that often justify this major.

The estimated $25,000 in debt sits slightly above the national median for International Business programs but is manageable relative to the earnings—a 0.50 ratio means roughly half of first-year income would cover the debt. Still, when you're earning $15,000 less than peers from other Minnesota programs while carrying slightly more debt, the financial picture becomes tighter. You're essentially starting with both lower earnings and higher debt than the state norm.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether Concordia's smaller size and liberal arts environment justify accepting lower earnings potential than larger Minnesota programs offer. The 63% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores suggest this isn't a highly selective program that would command premium outcomes. If your child is set on International Business and gets significant merit aid to reduce that debt estimate, Concordia could work—but otherwise, exploring programs at schools closer to that $65,000 Minnesota median makes financial sense.