International Business at Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida Atlantic University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all international business bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | $47,047 | $60,027 | $17,500 | 0.37 |
| University of North Florida | $49,379 | $56,391 | $15,500 | 0.31 |
| The University of Tampa | $48,149 | $74,400 | $25,250 | 0.52 |
| Florida International University | $45,661 | $56,343 | $17,750 | 0.39 |
| University of South Florida | $44,096 | $53,207 | $16,936 | 0.38 |
| Rollins College | $36,201 | $57,017 | $25,000 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $49,890 | — | $23,472 | 0.47 |
Other International Business Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida Jacksonville | $6,389 | $49,379 | $15,500 |
| The University of Tampa Tampa | $33,424 | $48,149 | $25,250 |
| Florida International University Miami | $6,565 | $45,661 | $17,750 |
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $44,096 | $16,936 |
| Rollins College Winter Park | $58,300 | $36,201 | $25,000 |
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.