Analysis
With comparable International Business bachelor's programs suggesting around $50,000 in first-year earnings and $25,000 in debt, Southwest Baptist's estimated outcomes sit squarely in the middle nationally but trail Missouri's median of $52,670. That gap matters—nearby Saint Louis University's graduates start at that higher figure, meaning the state's stronger programs appear to deliver a meaningful earnings advantage. For a field where professional networks and employer connections drive early career success, the difference between schools may be more significant than in other business majors.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 suggests manageable payments under standard repayment plans, though families should know this assumes steady employment in the field. International business careers often require internships, language skills, or study abroad experiences that add hidden costs beyond tuition. At a school with 100% admission and average SAT scores well below selective universities, the question becomes whether Southwest Baptist provides the corporate recruiting pipelines and alumni networks that International Business graduates typically need to launch successful careers.
The bottom line: peer programs indicate this could be a reasonable investment if your student plans to stay in Missouri and leverages every networking opportunity. However, the estimated figures don't tell you whether Southwest Baptist specifically delivers the international employer connections that make this major valuable—that's critical information you'll need to verify directly with the program before committing.
Where Southwest Baptist 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,320 | $49,890* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $53,244 | $52,670* | — | $24,000* | 0.46 | |
| 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 Southwest Baptist University, approximately 35% 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.