International Business at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's International Business program earns graduates $58,560 in their first year—nearly $10,000 above the California median for this degree and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful premium for a school with a 96% admission rate and significant access for low-income students (41% receive Pell grants). With debt under $23,000, the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about five months of pre-tax income.

The concern is earnings flatness: four years out, graduates make essentially the same amount they did at graduation. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means this pattern might not hold for future cohorts, it suggests the degree may lead to positions with limited advancement potential. Still, starting at nearly $60,000 in expensive San Francisco represents solid entry-level compensation, even if growth stalls.

For families seeking affordable access to international business careers, this program delivers above-average starting salaries at manageable debt levels. The lack of earnings growth warrants attention—students should investigate whether alumni typically change roles or industries to boost income over time—but the initial financial foundation is strong enough to make this a reasonable bet.