Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,553
83rd percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$19,000
19% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
68
Adequate data

Analysis

Dickinson's International Business graduates start strong at $60,553 and see impressive momentum, jumping 35% to $81,762 by year four. That first-year figure beats 83% of similar programs nationally and surpasses Pennsylvania's state median by over $5,000—solid positioning for a liberal arts college without the business school infrastructure of larger universities.

The $19,000 debt load is genuinely manageable, creating a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room. While this isn't the cheapest Pennsylvania option for international business, it's notably below both the state and national median debt for this degree. Compare this to some in-state alternatives where debt often exceeds $25,000. The combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt makes this a relatively low-risk entry point.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. That 35% jump from year one to year four suggests graduates are either moving into more senior roles or pivoting effectively into related fields like finance or consulting. You're not quite at Villanova's level ($74,529 starting), but you're ahead of major Pennsylvania universities like Temple and Drexel. For families concerned about ROI at a selective liberal arts college, these numbers demonstrate that Dickinson's global business emphasis translates into real market value.

Where Dickinson College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally

Dickinson CollegeOther international business programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Dickinson College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Dickinson College graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 83th percentile of all international business bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dickinson College$60,553$81,762$19,0000.31
Villanova University$74,529$86,976$22,2500.30
Duquesne University$60,748
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia$55,473$78,112$27,0000.49
Drexel University$54,235$86,072$28,6670.53
Temple University$46,013$58,397$26,9870.59
National Median$49,890$23,4720.47

Other International Business Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$74,529$22,250
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh
$47,146$60,748
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$51,340$55,473$27,000
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$54,235$28,667
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$46,013$26,987

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 Dickinson College, approximately 14% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.