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International Business at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,138/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (447,200 openings/yr)

ROI 17.8x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #53 of 103 International Business programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Business graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$601K	$590K	$532K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.1x	17.8x	16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.5x	7.3x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	64	63	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (7.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,110

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,849

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $38,138/yr fall 24% below the $50,501 national median for International Business. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI International Business programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in International Business's typical career paths, with 51% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At $13,110 in median debt against $38,138 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #53 of 103 International Business programs, San Diego State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $62,849 show a 65% jump from the $38,138 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University admits 34% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr

General and operations managers $102,950/yr

Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

International Business at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Diego State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Business at San Diego State University?

This program scores 63/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of International Business programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

Will AI replace International Business careers?

With 51% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $532,134 in decade earnings vs $601,353 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with International Business from San Diego State University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →