International/Global Studies at Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,371/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #14 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $711K $700K $654K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$270,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$159,464
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,227
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $51,371 put Boston College's International/Global Studies program 47% above the national median of $34,873 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $51,371 far exceeding the $19,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #14 out of 81 programs, Boston College's International/Global Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $51,371 to $81,227 over five years (58% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Boston College

Boston College accepts 16% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 9,865 in Chestnut Hill, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $159,464 — 41% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston College →

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/Global Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston College

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 Boston College's International/Global Studies program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for International/Global Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Boston College rank so high for International/Global Studies?
The #14 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →