Analysis
International business graduates from comparable programs nationally earn around $50,000 in their first year—nearly $10,000 more than the $40,000 typical for Oklahoma programs in this field. University of Tulsa sits in an interesting position: as a selective private institution (average SAT of 1325), it likely attracts students who could compete for opportunities beyond Oklahoma's borders, where international business roles tend to pay more. The estimated $25,000 debt burden translates to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, which falls into a manageable range if those national-level earnings materialize.
The challenge is that only seven Oklahoma schools offer this degree, and the one with reported data (Oklahoma State) shows graduates earning that lower $40,000 figure. If your child plans to stay in Tulsa or Oklahoma City after graduation, those local market realities matter more than national medians. International business degrees often require geographic flexibility to reach their earning potential—the jobs that justify the "international" premium tend to cluster in major metros or require willingness to relocate abroad.
The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Tulsa's academic profile suggests it could outperform state averages, but without actual graduate outcomes, you're betting on brand reputation and student quality rather than proven results. If your child is genuinely mobile and targeting careers with multinational corporations or in major coastal markets, the investment looks reasonable. If they're rooted in Oklahoma, scrutinize whether this degree offers enough over a less expensive in-state option.
Where University of Tulsa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,602 | $49,890* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $10,234 | $40,442* | — | $24,275* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Tulsa, approximately 26% 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.