Analysis
Based on comparable international business programs in Pennsylvania, Washington & Jefferson appears positioned in the middle tier—the estimated $55,473 first-year salary matches the state median but trails schools like Villanova ($74,529) and Duquesne ($60,748) by meaningful margins. The estimated $27,000 debt load sits right at Pennsylvania's typical level for this degree, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable at 0.49, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary.
What these peer-program estimates suggest is a financially workable path, though not an exceptional one. The figures align closely with both state and national norms for international business degrees, indicating this is neither a standout bargain nor a red flag. However, the $20,000+ gap between Washington & Jefferson's estimated outcomes and Pennsylvania's top-performing programs is worth noting—that difference compounds significantly over a career.
The practical challenge here is uncertainty: with no reported data specific to this school's graduates, you're essentially betting on outcomes extrapolated from similar programs across Pennsylvania. If your student has admission offers from schools with actual reported earnings—particularly those showing stronger outcomes in international business—those provide clearer pictures of what to expect. If Washington & Jefferson is the only option or offers something distinctive beyond the numbers, the estimated debt load isn't crushing, but the competitive disadvantage against Pennsylvania's stronger programs deserves serious consideration.
Where Washington & Jefferson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,185 | $55,473* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,701 | $74,529* | $86,976 | $22,250* | 0.30 | |
| $47,146 | $60,748* | — | —* | — | |
| $63,475 | $60,553* | $81,762 | $19,000* | 0.31 | |
| $51,340 | $55,473* | $78,112 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $60,663 | $54,235* | $86,072 | $28,667* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Washington & Jefferson College, approximately 29% 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 7 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.