Analysis
The $41,911 in first-year earnings suggested by comparable international business programs in Texas falls short of what most graduates across the country achieve—the national median sits at nearly $50,000. Several peer institutions in Texas report outcomes substantially higher: Saint Edward's grads earn around $52,000, and UT Arlington graduates start near $49,000. With St. Mary's serving a student body where 42% receive Pell grants, these financial outcomes deserve scrutiny.
The estimated $25,000 debt load translates to a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable on paper. However, that debt figure comes from national averages across similar institutions, while Texas programs typically carry lower debt burdens—the state median is closer to $18,000. If St. Mary's actual graduates carry debt closer to that $25,000 estimate while earning at the lower end of the Texas range, the monthly reality could be tighter than the ratio suggests.
Given the absence of program-specific data and the gap between estimated earnings and what stronger Texas programs deliver, families should look closely at St. Mary's career services, alumni networks, and corporate partnerships in San Antonio. The international business field rewards connections and internship experience—advantages that might compensate for lower initial earnings but aren't reflected in these estimated figures.
Where St. Mary's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,242 | $41,911* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $51,384 | $51,843* | $62,711 | $24,218* | 0.47 | |
| $11,728 | $48,625* | $54,622 | $17,999* | 0.37 | |
| $9,548 | $46,714* | — | —* | — | |
| $14,564 | $44,228* | $80,589 | $17,734* | 0.40 | |
| $7,708 | $41,911* | $50,379 | $13,978* | 0.33 | |
| 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 St. Mary's University, approximately 42% 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 median of 9 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.