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 $5,000βsolid 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
Earnings Distribution
How Dickinson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dickinson College | $60,553 | $81,762 | +35% |
| Villanova University | $74,529 | $86,976 | +17% |
| Drexel University | $54,235 | $86,072 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $55,473 | $78,112 | +41% |
| Temple University | $46,013 | $58,397 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,475 | $60,553 | $81,762 | $19,000 | 0.31 | |
| $64,701 | $74,529 | $86,976 | $22,250 | 0.30 | |
| $47,146 | $60,748 | β | β | β | |
| $51,340 | $55,473 | $78,112 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $60,663 | $54,235 | $86,072 | $28,667 | 0.53 | |
| $22,082 | $46,013 | $58,397 | $26,987 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | β | $49,890 | β | $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 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.