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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,660 | $41,911* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $51,384 | $51,843* | $62,711 | $24,218* | 0.47 | |
| $11,728 | $48,625* | $54,622 | $17,999* | 0.37 | |
| $9,548 | $46,714* | — | —* | — | |
| $14,564 | $44,228* | $80,589 | $17,734* | 0.40 | |
| $7,708 | $41,911* | $50,379 | $13,978* | 0.33 | |
| 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 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.