Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,746
Est. from MI median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,397
Est. from MI median (3 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie$14,266$58,746*—$24,397*—
Wayne State UniversityDetroit$14,297$59,350*$72,684$23,472*0.40
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale$14,628$58,746*$72,435$24,397*0.42
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti$15,510$31,476*—$25,330*0.80
National Median—$49,890*—$23,472*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

All business operations specialists not listed separately.

Business Continuity Planners

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.

Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Online Merchants

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Security Management Specialists

Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.

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.