International Business at Florida International University

Florida International University's International Business program delivers middle-of-the-road results that mirror Miami's service economy more than they do global business aspirations. Graduates start at $45,661—about $4,000 below the national median and slightly trailing the Florida median. Among Florida's 28 international business programs, FIU lands right in the middle at the 40th percentile, behind more affordable public options like University of North Florida and University of South Florida. The 23% earnings growth to $56,343 by year four is respectable but doesn't dramatically change the value equation.

The program's saving grace is its manageable debt load. At $17,750, graduates owe roughly $6,000 less than the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that most families can work with. This reflects FIU's mission as an accessible public university where 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students aren't drowning in debt, but they're also not seeing premium earnings for a degree that should theoretically open doors to international commerce and trade finance.

For families counting on the "international" label to translate into outsized earnings, temper expectations. This program produces competent business graduates who find work in Miami's corporate ecosystem, but it's not a standout investment compared to peer schools. The reasonable debt makes it a viable option for in-state students who want to stay local, just don't expect the degree to deliver returns that justify out-of-state tuition.