International Business at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's International Business program shows exactly what you want from an undergraduate degree: graduates who earn modestly at first but see substantial income growth. Starting at $58K, graduates reach nearly $93K by year four—a 60% jump that far exceeds typical career trajectories. That puts Delaware's program in the 76th percentile nationally among the 482 schools offering this major.

The debt picture is manageable. At $23,250, it matches both national and state medians almost exactly, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40—meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. With moderate admission selectivity (65% acceptance rate) and a reasonably strong student body (1297 SAT average), this isn't an elite institution, but it's producing outcomes that beat three-quarters of competing programs. Within Delaware, the program ranks in the 60th percentile, though this comparison has limited meaning given only three schools in the state offer the major.

The clear takeaway: this program delivers strong value through exceptional earnings growth rather than sky-high starting salaries. If your child is willing to work through those first few years at reasonable but not spectacular pay, the trajectory suggests they'll be well-positioned by mid-career. The debt load won't be a burden, and the long-term earnings potential justifies the investment.