International Business at The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas's International Business program shows an unusual pattern: graduates start below both national and state averages at $44,228, but within four years their earnings jump to $80,589—an 82% increase that dramatically outpaces typical career progression. Among Texas international business programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, sitting above the state median despite the modest starting point. The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career outcomes may be driving these numbers more than any systematic program advantage.

The debt picture looks favorable at $17,734, well below the national median and creating a manageable 0.4 debt-to-earnings ratio even with those lower first-year salaries. By year four, when earnings hit $80,589, graduates are earning 4.5 times their initial debt—a strong outcome if that trajectory holds for future cohorts. The university's relatively selective profile (SAT of 1300) suggests capable students who may be landing at companies that reward experience substantially after those first lean years.

The small sample size matters here. With under 30 graduates reporting, you're looking at a snapshot that could shift significantly year to year. If your student can tolerate starting salaries below Houston-Downtown or UT Arlington, and the four-year earnings surge reflects real program strengths rather than statistical noise, this could work. But verify those mid-career numbers with current students and alumni before banking on that dramatic income jump.