International Business at Franklin College

In a state with only ten International Business bachelor's programs, Franklin College operates in a surprisingly competitive niche—but without reported outcomes from peer Indiana schools, we're relying on national patterns to assess value. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates typically earn around $49,890 in their first year, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 with Franklin's estimated $25,000 debt load. That's manageable by conventional standards: borrowers could theoretically pay off loans in five years or less with disciplined budgeting.

The challenge is that International Business outcomes vary enormously depending on what students do with the degree. Some land analyst roles at global corporations; others struggle to differentiate themselves from general business majors in regional job markets. Franklin's 71% admission rate and 39% Pell population suggest it serves a broad mix of students, many without extensive professional networks—precisely the group that needs strong career placement support to convert an International Business credential into actual international opportunities.

The bottom line: This program could work if Franklin provides robust internship connections and your child has specific career goals that require international business expertise. But don't assume the "international" label automatically commands a premium—many employers treat it as interchangeable with a standard business degree, which means your child needs to leverage language skills, study abroad experiences, or multinational company connections to justify the specialization.