International Business at Marquette University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Marquette's international business graduates start at $59,255—nearly $10,000 above the national median and $5,000 ahead of Wisconsin's typical outcomes. Among the state's dozen programs, only UW-Madison beats these numbers, making this the clear second choice for students staying in-state. The $25,000 debt load sits slightly above Wisconsin averages but remains manageable given the strong starting salary.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data, but the 25% earnings growth trajectory and low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggest graduates are building solid careers. Four years out, they're earning nearly $74,000—well above what most international business programs deliver. The 79th national percentile ranking reinforces that Marquette is punching above its weight class here, even with its accessible 87% admission rate.
For families choosing between Wisconsin programs, this represents the strongest value after Madison, with significantly better outcomes than programs at La Crosse or Whitewater. The debt is real but reasonable, and the earnings justify the investment. Just keep in mind that with such a small cohort, your student's individual networking and internship experiences will matter more than they might at a larger program.
Where Marquette University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Marquette University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Marquette University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all international business bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | $59,255 | $73,820 | $24,990 | 0.42 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $66,591 | $94,010 | $14,000 | 0.21 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $49,463 | — | $20,475 | 0.41 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $47,225 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $49,890 | — | $23,472 | 0.47 |
Other International Business Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $66,591 | $14,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse | $9,651 | $49,463 | $20,475 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | $8,250 | $47,225 | — |
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 Marquette University, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.