International Business at University of San Diego

University of San Diego's International Business program shows a trajectory that should interest parents willing to look past modest starting salaries. While graduates begin at $48,463—slightly below the national median and right at California's median—they reach $76,666 by year four, a 58% jump that outpaces typical career progression. That fourth-year number lands the program in California's 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state alternatives despite a middling start.

The $19,197 debt load works in this program's favor, coming in below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that becomes easier as earnings climb. The investment case hinges on patience: students must weather entry-level roles knowing stronger compensation lies ahead. This pattern makes sense for international business, where early career positions often involve rotational programs or junior analyst roles before moving into higher-paying global positions.

The gap between USD and California's top performers (Ashford and SF State graduates earn $70,000+ even in year one) reveals the program isn't elite-tier. But for families prioritizing reasonable debt and solid upward mobility over immediate returns, USD delivers a workable path. Just understand your graduate needs to stick with it through those early years to capture the program's real value.