International Business at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy's international business graduates start at $54,741—above the national median but trailing most Massachusetts competitors by a significant margin. Among the Bay State's 18 programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, falling nearly $13,000 short of the state median of $67,794. That gap matters when you're paying Massachusetts tuition rates, even at a public institution.

The silver lining is growth: earnings jump 27% to $69,477 by year four, one of the stronger trajectories you'll find in this field. The $25,000 median debt load is reasonable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46—manageable by any standard. Graduates aren't drowning in payments while their careers gain momentum.

The real question is whether your student values Maritime's unique environment and specialized focus enough to accept a slower start than they'd get at other Massachusetts schools. If they're drawn to the maritime industry angle or the academy's structured setting, this becomes more defensible. But if they're simply looking for the strongest business program in-state, the numbers suggest they'd find better earnings potential elsewhere. The career growth is encouraging, but you're starting from behind the state pack.