Analysis
The University of Memphis international business program lands graduates at $40,857 initially—below the national median of nearly $50,000—but then delivers exceptional momentum with 35% earnings growth to $55,177 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the starting point here, especially since you're paying manageable debt of $21,500 to access it.
Context shifts your perspective: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Tennessee's international business programs, which means it's actually a solid in-state option despite its low national standing. The gap between Tennessee and national medians ($40,857 versus $49,890) reflects regional economic differences rather than program quality. For families paying in-state tuition at Memphis, you're getting middle-of-the-pack state performance with better-than-average debt levels and strong earnings acceleration.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is workable, translating to roughly half a year's salary in loans—reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent but not massive program output. If your child plans to stay in the Mid-South region where Memphis recruiting connections run deep, this represents fair value. Just understand they'll likely need those first few years to climb the salary ladder, making job choice and early career moves particularly important.
Where University of Memphis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Memphis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | $40,857 | $55,177 | +35% |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | +44% |
| Georgetown University | $81,800 | $101,821 | +24% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $66,591 | $94,010 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $57,941 | $92,663 | +60% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
International Business bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,344 | $40,857 | $55,177 | $21,500 | 0.53 | |
| $65,081 | $81,800 | $101,821 | $14,447 | 0.18 | |
| $63,141 | $80,848 | $91,133 | $25,729 | 0.32 | |
| $64,701 | $74,529 | $86,976 | $22,250 | 0.30 | |
| $13,160 | $71,369 | $61,843 | $27,195 | 0.38 | |
| $12,688 | $70,992 | $89,299 | $25,174 | 0.35 | |
| 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 University of Memphis, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.