International Studies at Arcadia University

Glenside, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,872/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #77 of 81 International/Global Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $548K $545K $515K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,464
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,123
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,872/yr, International Studies graduates from Arcadia University land near the $34,873 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$30,872 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #77 out of 81 programs, Arcadia University's financial outcomes for International Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $30,872 to $52,123 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Arcadia University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Arcadia University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,799 students in Glenside, PA. The average net cost of $103,464 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Arcadia University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other $75,040/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

International Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arcadia University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Arcadia University's International Studies program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →