Analysis
Baruch's International Business program offers compelling value, particularly considering the city's position as a global business hub. Starting salaries of $52,290 put graduates ahead of both the state median ($48,596) and national benchmark ($49,890), ranking in the 60th percentile among New York programs. More importantly, the median debt of just $9,644 is exceptional—barely a fifth of the typical burden for this degree nationally. That 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just over two months of gross income, a virtually unmatched financial position among business programs.
The real story here is access. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, Baruch delivers competitive outcomes for a population that often faces steep debt burdens elsewhere. Four-year earnings of $64,899 show solid progression and close the gap with higher-priced competitors like Pace, which produces just $61,228 despite likely charging far more. While Fordham's alumni do earn more, you'd need to weigh whether that $280 monthly difference justifies Fordham's significantly higher tuition and debt load.
For families watching costs, this program represents minimal financial risk with clear upside. The combination of low debt, above-average earnings, and strong growth trajectory in an expensive city makes this one of the safer bets in business education. The only graduates earning more are at Fordham, and they're paying dearly for that premium.
Where CUNY Bernard M Baruch College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $52,290 | $64,899 | +24% |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | +44% |
| Pace University | $61,228 | $71,688 | +17% |
| Berkeley College-New York | $37,437 | $50,489 | +35% |
| University at Buffalo | $35,141 | $44,224 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,464 | $52,290 | $64,899 | $9,644 | 0.18 | |
| $61,992 | $65,131 | — | $23,250 | 0.36 | |
| $51,424 | $61,228 | $71,688 | $25,000 | 0.41 | |
| $8,576 | $44,903 | — | — | — | |
| $28,600 | $37,437 | $50,489 | $43,951 | 1.17 | |
| $10,782 | $35,141 | $44,224 | $22,782 | 0.65 | |
| 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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, approximately 55% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 44 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.