Analysis
Based on comparable International Business programs in Texas, graduates from this degree typically start around $42,000—below the national median of nearly $50,000 but in line with other Texas schools. The estimated $17,700 in debt translates to a manageable 0.42 ratio, meaning roughly five months of first-year salary to cover the full borrowing amount. By year four, earnings climb to about $55,000, suggesting steady progression in a field where experience matters.
The challenge here is straightforward: Texas Tech's program appears to track with the state average rather than standing out from it. Top programs at Saint Edward's and UT Arlington produce first-year earnings $6,000-10,000 higher, while UT Dallas graduates similarly positioned show comparable outcomes. International business often demands geographic mobility or language skills to unlock higher earnings, and Lubbock's location may limit immediate opportunities compared to Dallas or Houston metros where multinational employers concentrate.
The debt picture looks reasonable, but the earnings trajectory matters more in a field where many graduates need additional credentials or years of experience to differentiate themselves. If your student is committed to international business specifically and values Texas Tech's broader offerings, the financial fundamentals work. If they're considering this major primarily because it sounds interesting, you'd want confirmation that the school provides strong corporate connections and internship pathways that justify choosing this location over programs in larger Texas markets.
Where Texas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | — | $54,742 | — |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $44,228 | $80,589 | +82% |
| Saint Edward's University | $51,843 | $62,711 | +21% |
| Baylor University | $40,782 | $62,473 | +53% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $48,625 | $54,622 | +12% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,852 | $41,911* | $54,742 | $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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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.