Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,911
Est. from TX median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,000
Est. from national median (33 programs)

Analysis

This program's estimated first-year earnings of $41,911 trail the national median for international business graduates by nearly $8,000, positioning it at the lower end of Texas outcomes. When peer programs in the state produce earnings ranging from $41,911 to over $51,000, parents should recognize that St. Thomas appears to fall toward the bottom of this spectrum—despite the university's selective profile suggesting stronger placement potential.

The estimated $25,000 debt load itself isn't alarming, but it creates a concerning dynamic when paired with below-average starting salaries. Similar programs across Texas typically carry about $18,000 in debt, meaning this estimate suggests students may be borrowing 40% more while earning no premium on the other end. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable in absolute terms, yet it reflects a program where costs and outcomes haven't aligned as favorably as they might at competitor schools.

For families evaluating this investment, the central question is whether St. Thomas offers distinct advantages—network connections, internship pipelines, or career services—that could explain paying more for comparable or lower earnings. International business demands strong industry connections and placement support to justify the credential. Without concrete evidence that this program delivers those differentiators, you're looking at a scenario where peer institutions may offer better value, even if the financial picture here isn't catastrophic.

Where University of St Thomas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of St ThomasHouston$33,660$41,911*—$25,000*—
Saint Edward's UniversityAustin$51,384$51,843*$62,711$24,218*0.47
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$48,625*$54,622$17,999*0.37
Texas A&M University-San AntonioSan Antonio$9,548$46,714*——*—
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$44,228*$80,589$17,734*0.40
University of Houston-DowntownHouston$7,708$41,911*$50,379$13,978*0.33
National Median—$49,890*—$23,472*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

All business operations specialists not listed separately.

Business Continuity Planners

Develop, maintain, or implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, business impact analyses, strategy selection, and documentation of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. Plan, conduct, and debrief regular mock-disaster exercises to test the adequacy of existing plans and strategies, updating procedures and plans regularly. Act as a coordinator for continuity efforts after a disruption event.

Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Online Merchants

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Security Management Specialists

Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.

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 St Thomas, approximately 38% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.