International Business at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The standout concern here is backwards earnings growth: first-year graduates from comparable programs earn around $47,500, but by year four that figure actually drops to $45,600. That's a 4% decline when most careers see meaningful increases in the mid-twenties. While the estimated $21,500 debt load is reasonable—producing a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio—flat or declining earnings through your child's early career deserves serious attention.

These figures come from similar international business programs nationally since UNL's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report. Within Nebraska, this program sits at the 60th percentile, suggesting it's middle-of-the-pack for the state, though nationally it falls slightly below median outcomes for international business majors. The earnings picture isn't catastrophic, but it's not competitive either—especially given that 75th percentile programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $57,500.

The practical question is whether your child needs the specific credential or connections this program offers. If they're passionate about international business and have concrete plans for how to leverage that specialization, moderate debt with average starting pay can work. But the earnings decline pattern suggests many graduates either pivot into lower-paying roles or face a stagnant early labor market. Without extraordinary networking opportunities or clear international placement pipelines at UNL, there may be more reliable paths to a stable business career.