Analysis
Ohio University's International Business program launches graduates at $57,396—beating the national median by 15% and matching the state median exactly. That's solid positioning at the 75th percentile nationally, especially when paired with just $27,000 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates start with manageable obligations relative to their income, lower debt than 95% of comparable programs nationwide.
The caveat here is significant: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so one exceptional outcome or struggling graduate can skew the numbers substantially. The fact that five Ohio University campuses report identical earnings suggests either data aggregation across locations or simply sparse reporting. You're essentially betting on limited evidence, which adds uncertainty to what otherwise looks like a reasonable return.
For a student choosing between Ohio schools and considering international business specifically, this program appears competitive with Ohio State while costing less to attend. The real question is whether international business itself aligns with your child's capabilities and career interests—$57,000 is respectable but not exceptional, and the field demands language skills, cultural adaptability, and often extended time abroad. If those fit your child's profile and they prefer Ohio University's campus culture to Columbus, the financial fundamentals check out, but verify recent placement outcomes given the small data sample.
Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Main Campus graduates compare to all 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,746 | $57,396 | — | $27,000 | 0.47 | |
| $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 University-Main Campus, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.