Analysis
Southern New Hampshire University's international business graduates start with solid earnings—$56,320 in the first year, which beats the national median by $6,400 and places them in the 71st percentile nationally. The debt load of $35,044 is higher than typical for this field (about $11,500 above the national median), but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 remains manageable. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, this program provides access to a nationally competitive career path for students who might not have traditional opportunities.
The main concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income dip to $53,425 by year four, a 5% decline when most careers should be climbing. This pattern deserves scrutiny, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data. Among New Hampshire's three programs, this one sits at the 60th percentile—middle of the pack locally but above average nationally.
For families weighing this option, the opening salary justifies the debt burden, particularly for students who need SNHU's accessible admission structure. However, the earnings decline warrants a conversation about career support and alumni outcomes. If your child has options at schools with stronger upward trajectories, compare carefully. If accessibility and immediate employability are priorities, this program delivers a respectable starting point.
Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | $56,320 | $53,425 | -5% |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | +44% |
| Georgetown University | $81,800 | $101,821 | +24% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $66,591 | $94,010 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $57,941 | $92,663 | +60% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
International Business bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,450 | $56,320 | $53,425 | $35,044 | 0.62 | |
| $65,081 | $81,800 | $101,821 | $14,447 | 0.18 | |
| $63,141 | $80,848 | $91,133 | $25,729 | 0.32 | |
| $64,701 | $74,529 | $86,976 | $22,250 | 0.30 | |
| $13,160 | $71,369 | $61,843 | $27,195 | 0.38 | |
| $12,688 | $70,992 | $89,299 | $25,174 | 0.35 | |
| 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 Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.