Analysis
Friends University's international business program carries an estimated $25,000 in debt—slightly above both the national median for this field ($23,472) and what's typical at similar private institutions. Since Friends hasn't reported actual graduate outcomes for this program, we're working with projections based on comparable international business bachelor's programs nationwide.
The estimated first-year earnings of $49,890 align with the national median, but here's where Kansas matters: international business graduates at Wichita State, just across town, earn around $38,801—nearly $11,000 less—with typical debt of $17,399. If Friends' graduates follow national patterns rather than state patterns, the debt load becomes more manageable. But that's a significant "if" given that most jobs are local or regional. The 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio assumes the higher national figure holds true.
The fundamental question is whether Friends' approach to international business—likely with smaller classes and more individual attention than a public university offers—justifies both the additional debt and the risk that actual outcomes might track closer to Kansas norms than national ones. Without confirmed graduate data, you're betting on the private college premium translating to better job placement or higher starting salaries in a regional market where the evidence for international business specifically remains unclear.
Where Friends University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,748 | $49,890* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $9,322 | $38,801* | $63,327 | $17,399* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Friends University, approximately 34% 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.