Analysis
The estimated $25,000 debt load for this International Business degree sits just above the national median for the field, while projected first-year earnings of roughly $50,000 align exactly with what graduates from similar programs typically earn nationwide. With debt at half of first-year income, the financial fundamentals look manageable—though it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs nationally rather than tracking this specific school's graduates.
New Mexico offers limited options for International Business at the bachelor's level, with only two programs in the state. This scarcity makes direct state-level comparisons impossible, but it also means families have fewer alternatives if they're committed to staying local. The national benchmark data suggests International Business programs tend to produce relatively consistent outcomes, with the 75th percentile reaching only about $57,500—indicating this isn't a field where top programs dramatically outperform average ones.
For a school serving a majority first-generation and lower-income population (56% Pell-eligible), the estimated debt level is reasonable but not exceptionally low. The key question is whether international business opportunities exist in southeastern New Mexico or whether graduates will need to relocate to cities with more diverse corporate presence to fully utilize their degree. The financial math works if the career path materializes, but geographic constraints could matter more here than the numbers alone suggest.
Where University of the Southwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
International Business bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,670 | $49,890* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $65,081 | $81,800* | $101,821 | $14,447* | 0.18 | |
| $63,141 | $80,848* | $91,133 | $25,729* | 0.32 | |
| $64,701 | $74,529* | $86,976 | $22,250* | 0.30 | |
| $13,160 | $71,369* | $61,843 | $27,195* | 0.38 | |
| $12,688 | $70,992* | $89,299 | $25,174* | 0.35 | |
| 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 the Southwest, approximately 56% 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 national median of 103 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.