International Business at Johnson & Wales University-Online

Johnson & Wales University's online International Business program starts students nearly $10,000 behind the national median for this degree, with first-year earnings of just $40,077—landing in the 17th percentile nationally. While that's middle-of-the-pack among Rhode Island's five programs in this field, Bryant University graduates earn 63% more right out of the gate, suggesting significant opportunity cost even within the state.

The debt load of $26,732 isn't excessive—it matches both the state median and sits below the national average—but paired with those early earnings, it creates a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that means borrowers face debt equivalent to two-thirds of their first year's salary. The 25% earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four helps close the gap with national figures, though graduates are still playing catch-up compared to peers from other programs.

The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift considerably with different cohorts. For a family considering this online program, the question is whether the flexibility of online learning justifies starting significantly behind the national curve. If your child can access a stronger on-campus program—particularly at a school like Bryant—the earnings data suggests that would be the better investment.