Best colleges for International Business
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for International Business by graduate earnings are Georgetown University ($81,800), Northeastern University ($80,848) and University of South Carolina-Columbia ($70,992), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Georgetown University (Washington, DC): $81,800, 101 graduates a year
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $80,848, 129 graduates a year
- University of South Carolina-Columbia (Columbia, SC): $70,992, 328 graduates a year
- George Washington University (Washington, DC): $70,856, 102 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI): $66,591, 45 graduates a year
Compare 385 U.S. colleges offering International Business by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 49 states.
International Business programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $49,209 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 52.11 and the General and Operations Managers occupation (BLS SOC).
About International Business programs
The International Business program focuses on the global aspects of business operations, preparing students to navigate the complexities of international trade and commerce. This program is ideal for individuals who aspire to work in multinational corporations or engage in global markets, providing them with the necessary skills to succeed in a competitive environment.
Students in the International Business program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework often includes topics in administration and management, customer service, and financial analysis, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of international business practices.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $81,800 | 101 | 95% | $22,242 | $14,447 |
| 2 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $80,848 | 129 | 91% | $18,925 | $25,729 |
| 3 | University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $70,992 | 328 | 79% | — | $25,174 |
| 4 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $70,856 | 102 | 84% | $29,789 | $23,250 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $66,591 | 45 | 90% | — | $14,000 |
| 6 | Bryant University Smithfield, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $65,237 | 33 | 80% | $38,485 | $26,790 |
| 7 | Fordham University Bronx, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $65,131 | 175 | 82% | $38,931 | $23,250 |
| 8 | Howard University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $61,040 | 26 | 70% | $48,194 | $24,000 |
| 9 | Dickinson College Carlisle, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $60,553 | 64 | 80% | $22,831 | $19,000 |
| 10 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,793 | 39 | 71% | — | $18,665 |
| 11 | University of Delaware Newark, DE Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,941 | 57 | 81% | — | $23,250 |
| 12 | University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $57,780 | 27 | 70% | $37,121 | $25,000 |
| 13 | Ohio State University Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,678 | 54 | 88% | — | $27,000 |
| 14 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,509 | 93 | 86% | $33,106 | $21,500 |
| 15 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,496 | 31 | 73% | $33,454 | $25,000 |
| 16 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $54,741 | 38 | 74% | — | $25,000 |
| 17 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $54,235 | 26 | 78% | $36,004 | $28,667 |
| 18 | Denison University Granville, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $53,516 | 38 | 79% | $23,864 | $26,960 |
| 19 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,036 | 35 | 69% | — | $21,200 |
| 20 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,670 | 43 | 80% | $24,886 | $24,000 |
| 21 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,491 | 25 | 65% | — | $19,059 |
| 22 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,290 | 52 | 72% | — | $9,644 |
| 23 | Saint Edward's University Austin, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,843 | 24 | 63% | $24,630 | $24,218 |
| 24 | University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $51,599 | 21 | 75% | — | $21,942 |
| 25 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,923 | 44 | 64% | — | $19,000 |
Top 3 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA Public · Certificate | $63,350 | 22 | 85% | — | $22,000 |
| 2 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Certificate | $62,330 | 242 | 68% | — | $17,028 |
| 3 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Public · Certificate | $60,660 | 54 | 75% | — | $25,407 |
Specializations within International Business
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 52.11 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 49 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-1021, General and Operations Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the International Business program can pursue various careers in the global marketplace, with a job outlook that is about as fast as average, projecting a growth rate of 4.4%. With approximately 308,700 annual openings and a median wage of $102,950, a bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for International Business
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 52.11.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 52.11 (International Business) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-1011 | Chief Executives |
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managersprimary |
| 13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other |
| 25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in International Business programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
Common questions
What is the focus of the International Business program?+
The program focuses on global business operations, international trade, and commerce.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, communication, and financial analysis.
What is the job outlook for International Business graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 308,700 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for careers in International Business?+
The median wage for careers in this field is $102,950.
How much do International Business graduates earn?+
International Business graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $49,209, College Scorecard (2019); the General and Operations Managers occupation pays about $134,940 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for International Business?+
International Business maps to CIP 52.11 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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