Analysis
Michigan's international business programs cluster around $58,746 in first-year earnings, and Lake Superior State appears to track with this state pattern—though it's worth noting these figures are drawn from just three comparable programs statewide, not from LSSU's actual graduate outcomes. The estimated $24,397 in debt sits close to both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that suggests manageable repayment if those earnings materialize.
The uncertainty here cuts both ways. LSSU's Upper Peninsula location and smaller scale might limit immediate access to the Detroit-area corporate roles that likely drive Wayne State's $59,350 outcomes, potentially pushing earnings toward Eastern Michigan's $31,476 figure instead. International business typically requires proximity to trade hubs, multinational firms, or strong alumni networks—resources that a 68% acceptance rate regional university may struggle to provide compared to larger Michigan institutions. However, the school's border location and focus on Great Lakes commerce could create niche opportunities the state estimates don't capture.
The limited data means you're essentially betting on whether LSSU can deliver outcomes comparable to its in-state peers. If you're considering this program, request direct information from the school about graduate placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent alumni actually landed jobs—particularly whether they're staying in the Upper Peninsula or relocating to find relevant work.
Where Lake Superior State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,266 | $58,746* | — | $24,397* | — | |
| $14,297 | $59,350* | $72,684 | $23,472* | 0.40 | |
| $14,628 | $58,746* | $72,435 | $24,397* | 0.42 | |
| $15,510 | $31,476* | — | $25,330* | 0.80 | |
| 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 Superior State University, 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 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.