Analysis
Drexel's International Studies program shows some of the strongest financial outcomes in Pennsylvania, but you're making this decision based on data from fewer than 30 graduates—a sample size that could swing dramatically with just a few different career paths. That said, what we can see is striking: graduates earn $40,189 right out of college, ranking in the 80th percentile among Pennsylvania programs where the median is just $30,813. By year four, earnings jump to $65,148, a 62% increase that suggests graduates are successfully pivoting into higher-paying international business or policy roles.
The debt picture looks manageable at $29,046—substantially lower than what you'd typically see at a private university of Drexel's caliber. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, graduates owe less than a year's starting salary, and that ratio only improves as earnings climb. Compare this to the national median for International Studies programs ($32,819 first-year earnings with $21,966 in debt), and you're looking at significantly higher earning potential with only moderately higher debt.
The caveat matters here: small samples can mislead. But if these numbers hold, this program delivers better outcomes than nearby alternatives at Temple or Arcadia while taking on debt levels that ambitious graduates can reasonably manage, especially given the strong earnings trajectory.
Where Drexel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international/global studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Drexel University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $40,189 | $65,148 | +62% |
| American Public University System | $64,133 | $73,010 | +14% |
| University of California-San Diego | $45,168 | $63,294 | +40% |
| Colby College | $42,756 | $62,539 | +46% |
| Arcadia University | $30,872 | $48,459 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
International/Global Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $40,189 | $65,148 | $29,046 | 0.72 |
 Arcadia UniversityGlenside | $48,290 | $30,872 | $48,459 | $27,000 | 0.87 |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $30,754 | — | $25,125 | 0.82 |
 Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg | $13,544 | $30,124 | — | $27,000 | 0.90 |
| National Median | — | $32,819 | — | $21,966 | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with international/global studies graduates
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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.