International Business at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Maryland's International Business programs typically produce stronger first-year earnings than what peer institutions nationally suggest for Notre Dame of Maryland. While similar programs across the country point to first-year earnings around $49,890, Maryland graduates in this field—led by University of Maryland-College Park—report median earnings of $61,199, showing a $11,000 gap that matters when you're carrying debt.

The estimated $25,000 debt load sits just above the national median for this major, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 based on the national benchmark. That's manageable on paper—you'd be borrowing roughly half your expected first year salary. But if Notre Dame's actual outcomes track closer to Maryland's state pattern rather than the national average, the picture improves considerably. If they don't, you're looking at monthly payments that consume a meaningful chunk of entry-level wages in a field where networking, unpaid internships, and geographic flexibility often matter for career progression.

The real uncertainty here is whether this program produces outcomes closer to Maryland's stronger state average or the more modest national benchmark. With 86% of applicants admitted and a third of students receiving Pell grants, Notre Dame serves a different population than Maryland's flagship. Before committing $25,000 in debt, ask the school directly about their International Business graduates' actual placement rates and starting salaries—if they're competitive with the state median, this becomes a solid investment.