International Business at Lakeland University

Based on comparable programs across Wisconsin, an international business degree here appears positioned right at the state median of $54,359—which actually sits above the national median of $49,890 for this field. With an estimated debt load of $25,000, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning less than half their first-year salary would go toward what they borrowed.

The challenge is understanding where exactly this program fits among Wisconsin's options. The state median masks significant variation: UW-Madison's international business graduates earn $66,591 while UW-Whitewater's start at $47,225. Without actual outcome data for Lakeland specifically, it's unclear whether this program tracks closer to the top performers or the lower tier. The $25,000 debt estimate does exceed Wisconsin's typical $20,475 for international business programs, which narrows the financial advantage if earnings land on the lower end of that range.

For parents, the math works if the earnings estimate holds—a sub-0.5 debt ratio is reasonable for a business degree. But you're making this decision with peer-program averages rather than Lakeland's track record, which matters when competitors like Marquette and UW-Madison offer concrete proof of stronger placement outcomes. Request the school's actual employment data and starting salary information for recent graduates before committing.