International Business at University of South Carolina-Columbia

With graduates earning nearly $71,000 straight out of college—42% above the national median for international business—the University of South Carolina-Columbia's program delivers results that put it in the top 5% nationally. Even within South Carolina, where USC faces six other competitors, graduates here earn about $17,000 more than the state median, placing the program in the 80th percentile statewide.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $25,174, it's barely above average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that means graduates owe just over four months' salary. When the closest competitor (College of Charleston) produces median earnings of $37,624—nearly half what USC graduates earn—the choice becomes stark. Strong earnings growth of 26% by year four suggests graduates are building careers with real momentum, not just landing entry-level positions.

This is a field leader program at a moderately selective public university (61% admission rate) that's delivering outcomes typically associated with elite private schools. For families weighing the investment in an international business degree, USC-Columbia offers a rare combination: accessible admission standards, manageable debt, and earnings that eclipse most competing programs by a wide margin.