International Business (Bachelor's Degree) at Southeast Missouri State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$49,890

Est. from national median (103 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$21,500

Est. from national median (61 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

An estimated debt load of $21,500 appears manageable compared to similar International Business bachelor's programs nationally, which typically carry median debt closer to $23,500. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests graduates from comparable programs could reasonably expect to pay down their loans within a few years, assuming typical repayment terms.

The challenge lies in the earnings trajectory. At roughly $50,000 in first-year earnings based on national peers, this would trail the Missouri median of $52,670 for International Business programs. That $2,800 gap matters over time—it's the difference between making steady progress on loans versus feeling financially stretched. Saint Louis University's International Business graduates, for instance, start at that higher Missouri benchmark, suggesting location and institutional network may play a role in early career outcomes.

For families considering Southeast Missouri State, the lower debt burden provides meaningful breathing room compared to peer programs. However, the estimated earnings suggest this program tracks at the national average rather than leading the pack in Missouri. If your student has strong connections to the Cape Girardeau region or values the lower cost structure, this could work well. But if they're aiming for the strongest possible launch in International Business within Missouri, programs with stronger placement records may justify their additional cost through faster earnings growth.

Where Southeast Missouri State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau	$9,496	$49,890*	—	$21,500*	—
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$52,670*	—	$24,000*	0.46
National Median	—	$49,890*	—	$23,472*	0.47

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

All business operations specialists not listed separately.

Business Continuity Planners

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.

Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Online Merchants

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Security Management Specialists

Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.

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 Southeast Missouri State University, approximately 29% 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.