Analysis
Nationally, international business bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $50,000 and debt loads near $23,500—but Minnesota tells a different story. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports $65,000 in first-year earnings for its international business graduates, suggesting the state's job market rewards these credentials more generously than the national average. Without Minnesota State-Mankato's actual outcomes data, it's unclear whether their graduates achieve similar success or trend closer to national norms.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 looks manageable on paper—graduates would carry debt equivalent to roughly five months of gross income. However, this calculation assumes earnings that may not reflect this specific program's track record. The gap between national and state-level outcomes is substantial ($15,000 annually), and where Minnesota State-Mankato falls on that spectrum makes a significant difference in whether this investment pays off quickly or requires years to justify.
Given the 91% admission rate and the lack of reported outcomes data, proceed cautiously. If your child is considering this program, contact the career services office directly to ask what their international business graduates actually earn and where they're finding jobs. The difference between $50,000 and $65,000 in starting salary compounds dramatically over a career—you need real placement data before committing.
Where Minnesota State University-Mankato Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,490 | $49,890* | — | $21,500* | — | |
| $16,488 | $64,978* | — | $19,600* | 0.30 | |
| 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 Minnesota State University-Mankato, approximately 20% 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 national median of 103 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.