Analysis
Georgetown's International Business program launches graduates into strong early earnings at $81,800—outperforming the national median by 64% and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's impressive, though it's worth noting that among DC's handful of international business programs, Georgetown sits near the middle of the pack (60th percentile), with George Washington's graduates earning comparable salaries. The elite admission standards and relatively low Pell enrollment suggest this is a highly selective program with built-in networking advantages.
The financial picture is exceptionally clean: graduates carry just $14,447 in debt, roughly half the national median and well below what students at other DC programs typically borrow. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18—meaning graduates earn back their entire debt load in barely two months. Earnings growth to $101,821 by year four demonstrates the degree's staying power in the job market.
For families who can afford Georgetown's tuition or secure sufficient aid, this represents a low-risk investment with strong returns. The combination of minimal debt and above-average starting salaries means graduates have financial flexibility immediately after graduation. While the moderate sample size suggests some year-to-year variability in outcomes, the overall pattern is clear: this program delivers solid earnings with manageable debt, even if it doesn't dramatically outperform other DC options.
Where Georgetown University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Georgetown 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $81,800 | $101,821 | +24% |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | +44% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $66,591 | $94,010 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $57,941 | $92,663 | +60% |
| Northeastern University | $80,848 | $91,133 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,081 | $81,800 | $101,821 | $14,447 | 0.18 | |
| $64,990 | $70,856 | $101,930 | $23,250 | 0.33 | |
| $33,344 | $61,040 | — | $24,000 | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $49,890 | — | $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 Georgetown University, approximately 10% 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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.