International Business at Georgetown University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Georgetown University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgetown University graduates earn $82k, placing them in the 95th 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 District of Columbia
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $81,800 | $101,821 | $14,447 | 0.18 |
| George Washington University | $70,856 | $101,930 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
| Howard University | $61,040 | — | $24,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $49,890 | — | $23,472 | 0.47 |
Other International Business Programs in District of Columbia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across District of Columbia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University Washington | $64,990 | $70,856 | $23,250 |
| Howard University Washington | $33,344 | $61,040 | $24,000 |
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.