Analysis
Florida Atlantic University's International Business graduates start below the national median but show impressive earnings growth, jumping from $47,047 in year one to $60,027 by year four—a 28% increase that eventually surpasses both national and state averages. What makes this particularly interesting is the state context: while this program ranks in just the 39th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Florida's 28 international business programs, beating out larger names like FIU and USF. The $17,500 debt burden is notably below both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that's quite manageable.
The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Graduates who can weather a modest first-year salary are rewarded with meaningful career progression, suggesting the program builds skills that employers increasingly value. The combination of below-average debt and above-average growth makes this a solid choice for Florida residents, especially given FAU's accessible admission rate and lower tuition structure.
For parents, this is a program where patience pays off. The initial salary won't wow anyone, but the four-year outlook is competitive, and your child won't be buried in debt while they build their career. Among Florida options at this price point, it's a reasonable bet.
Where Florida Atlantic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | $47,047 | $60,027 | +28% |
| The University of Tampa | $48,149 | $74,400 | +55% |
| Rollins College | $36,201 | $57,017 | +58% |
| University of North Florida | $49,379 | $56,391 | +14% |
| Florida International University | $45,661 | $56,343 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,879 | $47,047 | $60,027 | $17,500 | 0.37 | |
| $6,389 | $49,379 | $56,391 | $15,500 | 0.31 | |
| $33,424 | $48,149 | $74,400 | $25,250 | 0.52 | |
| $6,565 | $45,661 | $56,343 | $17,750 | 0.39 | |
| $6,410 | $44,096 | $53,207 | $16,936 | 0.38 | |
| $58,300 | $36,201 | $57,017 | $25,000 | 0.69 | |
| 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 Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 56 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.