International Business (Bachelor's Degree) at Elon University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$49,890

Est. from national median (103 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

A debt load around $25,000—typical for similar private institutions—paired with first-year earnings near $50,000 creates a manageable financial foundation for Elon's International Business graduates. While these figures come from comparable programs rather than Elon's own outcomes, the half-to-one debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loans, assuming they enter their field promptly after graduation.

The estimated earnings align closely with what International Business majors typically earn nationally and slightly exceed the North Carolina median. For context, UNC Charlotte's program shows graduates earning about $53,000, while Appalachian State's sit closer to $44,000—placing this estimate in the middle of the state's range. However, Elon's tuition structure means students here are likely borrowing more than their public university counterparts, even if the debt estimate reflects similar private institutions. With only 9% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here arrive with financial resources, which may offset borrowing needs.

The real question is whether International Business as a field justifies private school tuition. The career path often requires geographic flexibility and additional credentials or languages to stand out—factors that could either accelerate or delay your investment's payoff. If your child has specific international career goals and Elon's study abroad programs align with those, the estimated outcomes suggest sustainability rather than risk. If they're still exploring options, the debt load becomes harder to justify without clearer direction.

Where Elon University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Elon UniversityElon	$44,536	$49,890*	—	$25,000*	—
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte	$7,214	$53,036*	$49,971	$21,200*	0.40
Appalachian State UniversityBoone	$7,541	$43,989*	$73,504	$26,930*	0.61
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 Elon University, approximately 9% 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.