Analysis
Based on comparable programs across Wisconsin, an International Business degree here suggests first-year earnings around $54,000βright at the state median and solidly above the national benchmark of $50,000. With estimated debt of $21,500, graduates would face payments consuming roughly 9-10% of gross income, a manageable threshold that leaves room for establishing credit and building savings in those crucial early career years.
The challenge is context: UW-Eau Claire sits in a competitive state market where Madison graduates command $67,000 and even Marquette places students above $59,000. Similar Wisconsin programs position graduates near the middle of a wide pack, suggesting the degree opens doors but may not provide the geographic mobility or corporate recruitment advantages of flagship alternatives. For families weighing the full state system, this program represents solid value rather than standout opportunity.
The estimated figures here underscore a practical decision point: can your child leverage Eau Claire's 76% admission rate and likely regional connections into internships and opportunities that bridge the gap to higher-earning peers? If they're entrepreneurial or plan to stay in Wisconsin's smaller markets, the debt-to-earnings picture works. If they're targeting Fortune 500 international divisions or coastal cities, the premium programs with reported outcomes may justify their additional investment.
Where University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,277 | $54,359* | β | $21,500* | β | |
| $11,205 | $66,591* | $94,010 | $14,000* | 0.21 | |
| $48,700 | $59,255* | $73,820 | $24,990* | 0.42 | |
| $9,651 | $49,463* | β | $20,475* | 0.41 | |
| $8,250 | $47,225* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $49,890* | β | $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 Wisconsin-Eau Claire, approximately 19% 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 4 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.