International Business at Chestnut Hill College

Similar programs in Pennsylvania suggest this International Business degree carries about $27,000 in debt—slightly above the national median—while first-year earnings around $55,000 align exactly with Pennsylvania's state median. That places the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.49, a manageable level that indicates borrowers would owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The challenge is context: Pennsylvania hosts 45 International Business programs with a wide earnings spread. Elite options like Villanova ($74,500) and Duquesne ($60,700) significantly outpace the state median, though they likely come with higher tuition and selectivity hurdles. Meanwhile, peer programs in the state cluster around that $55,000 mark—suggesting Chestnut Hill's estimated outcomes, if accurate, would be competitive for mid-tier schools. The 79% admission rate and 47% Pell grant population indicate this program serves a different student market than the top earners.

For families, the practical question is whether $27,000 in debt for $55,000 in first-year earnings represents solid value when stronger-earning programs exist in the same state. The ratio itself looks acceptable, but Pennsylvania's competitive landscape means your child might access better outcomes elsewhere—or find similar returns at lower cost. Request actual placement data from Chestnut Hill to understand where their specific graduates land, because these estimates tell you what's typical statewide, not what this particular program delivers.