Analysis
Based on similar programs in Texas, this bachelor's in international business appears to produce first-year earnings around $41,911—roughly $8,000 below the national median for the field. That estimated debt load of $17,734, however, is notably lighter than what international business graduates typically carry nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment, though the earnings themselves lag behind what graduates from UT Dallas or Texas A&M-San Antonio might expect.
The challenge here is the substantial uncertainty. With data suppressed due to small graduate cohorts, we're working from statewide averages rather than Texas Southmost's actual track record. International business at peer programs across Texas shows wide variation—from $41,911 at University of Houston-Downtown to over $51,000 at Saint Edward's. Where this specific program falls within that range depends on factors we can't see: the strength of TSC's business network in the Brownsville border region, employer relationships, and whether graduates stay local or migrate to higher-wage markets like Houston or Dallas.
For families weighing this option, the relatively low estimated debt is an advantage, but the earnings uncertainty is real. If your child plans to leverage TSC's location for cross-border business opportunities or intends to transfer credits elsewhere, the program could make financial sense. But if they're committed to a four-year international business degree, reaching out to the program directly about graduate outcomes and placement rates would be essential before committing.
Where Texas Southmost College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,148 | $41,911* | — | $17,734* | — | |
| $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 Texas Southmost College, approximately 31% 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.