International Business at Cottey College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 positions this program in reasonable territory—peer International Business programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $49,890 against estimated borrowing of $25,000. That's workable math for most graduates, particularly when you consider that the national median debt for these programs sits at $23,472, making Cottey's estimated borrowing only slightly higher.

The challenge is that Missouri's International Business programs typically produce stronger outcomes, with a state median of $52,670—nearly $3,000 above what comparable programs nationally achieve. Saint Louis University, for instance, reports graduates earning that state median figure. Given Cottey's small-college setting in rural Nevada, Missouri, the estimated earnings reflect what similarly-sized International Business programs produce rather than outcomes specific to this location or the school's particular connections in global business hubs.

For parents, the decision hinges on whether Cottey's environment—a smaller college serving a high proportion of Pell-eligible students—offers non-financial benefits that justify potentially earning below the state average. The debt burden appears manageable, but your student should investigate where Cottey's International Business graduates actually land jobs and whether those placements align with their goals. The estimation here means you're making this investment without clear visibility into this specific program's track record.