International Business at University of Dayton

University of Dayton's International Business program starts graduates behind Ohio's state median but delivers something valuable: momentum. While first-year earnings of $49,753 trail the state average by nearly $8,000 and land in just the 40th percentile among Ohio programs, four-year earnings jump to $74,631—a 50% increase that suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers increasingly reward. This trajectory matters more than the slow start, particularly when debt remains manageable at $25,000 (below the state average).

The debt picture here is genuinely reasonable. With a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—well within comfortable repayment territory even during that initial lower-earning period. By year four, when earnings reach the mid-$70s, that $25,000 debt burden becomes quite manageable. The program performs about average nationally (49th percentile), but it's the growth trajectory rather than the starting point that defines this program's value.

For families evaluating this program: expect a modest first job but steady career progression. The gap between Dayton and top Ohio programs like Ohio State is significant initially, but the strong earnings growth suggests graduates catch up. If your student can manage a year or two of patient career building, the investment pays off reasonably well without excessive debt.