International Business at Union University

Peer programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $49,890 for international business bachelor's graduates, which would put Union University's program above Tennessee's typical $40,857 median for this field. The estimated $25,000 debt load—if accurate—translates to a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. That's a workable starting point, though it assumes the national pattern holds true for Union's specific graduates.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Union's selective admissions (47% acceptance rate, strong SAT averages) and relatively low Pell grant enrollment suggest it attracts well-prepared students, which often correlates with better outcomes. But without actual graduate data, you're betting that Union's program performs at least as well as the national middle-of-the-pack for international business. Tennessee's market for this degree appears softer than the national average, which could mean local employment opportunities skew lower than what graduates at coastal business hubs might find.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures suggest reasonable rather than exceptional value—assuming they materialize. If your child plans to stay in Tennessee, understand that comparable programs here typically produce lower earnings than the national estimate. If they're targeting international firms or major metros where global business roles concentrate, Union's outcomes could exceed state averages, but you're making that bet without school-specific evidence to back it up.