International Business at Drexel University

Drexel's International Business program delivers standout salary growth—59% in four years—but here's the catch: you're starting below Pennsylvania's state median of $55,473 and falling notably behind top programs in Philadelphia. While first-year earnings of $54,235 exceed the national figure by roughly $4,300, you're landing at just the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania schools, suggesting the program's strong co-op reputation may not translate as powerfully in this major as in Drexel's engineering or tech fields.

The financial fundamentals work in your favor. With debt at $28,667, you're borrowing significantly less than the national median while eventually reaching strong four-year earnings of $86,072. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means manageable payments from day one. The earnings trajectory is genuinely impressive—few business programs show this kind of acceleration—likely reflecting Drexel's experiential learning model and strong employer connections paying dividends as graduates advance.

For families comparing Philadelphia business schools, this is a value play with delayed payoff. You'll start behind Villanova ($74,529) and Duquesne ($60,748) graduates, but by year four, you're competitive while carrying less debt. If your student can handle starting modestly and capitalizes on Drexel's network, the math works. Just know you're betting on growth rather than immediate earning power—Temple offers a cheaper entry point if you're cost-conscious about that uncertain first year.