Analysis
International business programs in Washington typically require graduates to navigate one of the country's most competitive job markets, which makes North Seattle College's outcomes particularly interesting. First-year earnings of $54,681 place graduates well above both state and national benchmarks—about $6,000 more than the typical Washington program and nearly $5,000 above the national median. That's a meaningful premium that suggests North Seattle's location in a major metropolitan area with international trade connections is translating into tangible career advantages.
Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, debt is estimated around $21,500, which produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. To put that in perspective, graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary—a conservative burden that allows for both loan repayment and living expenses in Seattle's expensive housing market. The estimated debt also sits slightly below the state median for international business programs, though nearby Western Washington University shows that outcomes in this field vary considerably across institutions.
The practical takeaway: if these estimates hold true for North Seattle graduates specifically, this program appears to deliver strong value. The earnings advantage over peer programs is substantial enough to offset any debt uncertainty, and the location likely provides networking and internship access that matters in international business careers. Just recognize you're working with estimated debt figures rather than school-specific data when comparing options.
Where North Seattle College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Seattle College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,058 | $54,681 | — | $21,500* | — | |
| $12,997 | $48,292 | $69,214 | $16,659* | 0.34 | |
| $9,286 | $38,412 | $60,844 | $22,250* | 0.58 | |
| 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 North Seattle College, approximately 14% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.