Education Abroad Participation Impacts Earnings After Graduation

The Forum on Education Abroad published new research today finding that students who studied abroad earn on average $4,159 more in their first job after graduation than those who did not. 

The report, “International Experience as A Career Asset: Exploring the Earnings Impact of Education Abroad Participation,” compiles data from business schools across the United States to compare starting salaries for undergraduate business majors. The salary increase represents a 6.3% earnings differential for education abroad participants. Notably, a starting salary differential was observed not just among A students, but among those who earned B and C averages as well. 

“This data underscores how education abroad is a smart decision for investing in one’s future,” said Melissa Torres, President & CEO of The Forum on Education Abroad. “The significant salary differential at the very start of a graduate’s career will compound into even greater earnings down the line. The results shown through this study are further evidence of how education abroad is a powerful accelerator of career and economic success.” 

Four business schools at large, public universities in four different states across the United States participated in the study, which included 7,487 students who graduated between the years 2021-2025. Each school offers education abroad programs that vary in length, location, and format, and the data they shared represents students who studied abroad in all world regions, with the most common region being Europe. 

Download the report to learn more insights. 

The Career Catalyst

The study was conducted as part of Education Abroad: The Career Catalyst campaign, a field-wide campaign to showcase the career-defining impact of education abroad—how it equips students with real-world skills, professional agility, and a broader perspective that sets them apart in the workforce. 

The Forum offers thanks to the campaign’s Founding Supporters: API Foundation, CEA CAPA Education Abroad, IES Abroad, ISEP Study Abroad, University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), WorldStrides Higher Ed (WorldStrides), Arizona State University Global Education, CIS Abroad, and Tennessee Consortium for International Studies.

Learn more about the campaign, The Career Catalyst.