International Business at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

A $47,000 starting salary positions Texas A&M-San Antonio's international business graduates comfortably in the middle of what similar programs deliver across Texas—actually beating half the state's offerings. While debt figures here are estimated from comparable Texas programs, the likely borrowing load of around $18,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates would owe less than 40% of their first-year income.

The national comparison is less flattering. First-year earnings fall about $3,000 short of the national median for international business degrees, suggesting graduates from this program may not compete as strongly for positions at multinational corporations or in major coastal business hubs. However, for students planning to work in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas—where the cost of living is considerably lower than major business centers like New York or Los Angeles—these earnings go further. The school serves a majority first-generation college population (51% receive Pell grants), and the open admission policy means accessibility is part of the value proposition here.

The estimated debt burden is actually lower than what international business graduates typically carry nationally ($23,500), which matters when you're starting at a below-average salary. Your child would likely finish with debt that's realistic to manage on these earnings, but shouldn't expect the program to open doors to the highest-paying international business roles right away.