Analysis
International business programs in Ohio show surprising consistency, with similar programs across the state clustering around $57,400 in first-year earnings—right at the national 75th percentile for this field. Lake Erie College's program appears positioned in this middle tier, suggesting graduates enter a relatively stable regional job market where international business skills command decent entry-level compensation, regardless of where you earn the degree.
The estimated $25,000 in debt sits slightly above the national median but below Ohio's typical $27,000, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. That's manageable by most standards—graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary, which typically allows for reasonable monthly payments while building a career. The real question is whether international business offers meaningful differentiation from a standard business degree in Ohio's corporate landscape, where manufacturing and healthcare dominate over global trade hubs.
For an anxious parent, the fundamentals look solid if your student is genuinely interested in international commerce: estimated earnings that match strong performers statewide, debt that shouldn't become crushing, and a career path with clear corporate applications. Just recognize these figures come from peer programs rather than Lake Erie's own track record, so there's less certainty about outcomes than you'd have with a program reporting actual graduate data. If your student could succeed at Ohio State (which reports nearly identical earnings), that's worth comparing directly.
Where Lake Erie College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,032 | $57,396* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $12,859 | $57,678* | $69,493 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Lake Erie College, approximately 29% 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 median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.