International Business at Dickinson College
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson College | $60,553 | $81,762 | $19,000 | 0.31 |
| Villanova University | $74,529 | $86,976 | $22,250 | 0.30 |
| Duquesne University | $60,748 | — | — | — |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $55,473 | $78,112 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| Drexel University | $54,235 | $86,072 | $28,667 | 0.53 |
| Temple University | $46,013 | $58,397 | $26,987 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $49,890 | — | $23,472 | 0.47 |
Other International Business Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.