Analysis
Based on comparable Ohio programs, international business graduates typically earn around $57,400 in their first year—figures that place this field solidly in the middle of business-related degrees. With an estimated $25,000 in debt, Ohio Northern's program would produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, meaning students could theoretically pay off their loans in about five months of gross salary. That's manageable by any standard.
What's worth noting is how similar programs across Ohio cluster tightly around this same earnings figure, suggesting a fairly predictable outcome for international business majors regardless of institution. The estimated debt here runs slightly below both the state median ($27,000) and what Ohio State graduates carry, which matters when the earnings potential appears relatively consistent. The selectivity at Ohio Northern (73% admission, 1290 SAT average) positions it as a solid regional option rather than a flagship, yet peer programs suggest the career outcomes don't necessarily penalize students for that choice.
The real question is whether international business itself—versus general business administration or finance—delivers enough differentiation to justify the specialization. If your child has genuine interest in global markets and isn't simply checking a box, the estimated financial picture here looks workable, not worrisome.
Where Ohio Northern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,800 | $57,396* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $12,859 | $57,678* | $69,493 | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| $6,178 | $57,396* | — | $27,000* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Ohio Northern 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.
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 median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.