Analysis
Peer programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $48,600 for International Business bachelor's recipients—a figure that tracks almost exactly with both state and national medians for this field. The estimated $25,000 debt load yields a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For context, similar programs nationally carry median debt of $23,472, so Hilbert appears reasonably aligned with typical borrowing levels.
What matters here is understanding the range of outcomes across New York's International Business landscape. Top programs like Fordham and Pace produce graduates earning $61,000-$65,000 in their first year, while others fall below $40,000. Where Hilbert's graduates would land within this spread is unclear given the limited sample size, though the school's 98% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it's serving students who may not access the state's most selective programs.
The practical question: Is a half-year's salary in debt reasonable preparation for international business careers? If these earnings estimates hold, the monthly loan payments would consume about 5-6% of gross income under standard repayment—workable but not generous. The uncertainty here cuts both ways: actual outcomes could exceed estimates if the program has strong employer connections, or fall short if graduates struggle to land international roles that justify the degree's specialized focus.
Where Hilbert College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,150 | $48,597* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $61,992 | $65,131* | — | $23,250* | 0.36 | |
| $51,424 | $61,228* | $71,688 | $25,000* | 0.41 | |
| $7,464 | $52,290* | $64,899 | $9,644* | 0.18 | |
| $8,576 | $44,903* | — | —* | — | |
| $28,600 | $37,437* | $50,489 | $43,951* | 1.17 | |
| 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 Hilbert College, approximately 44% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.