Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,176 place Macalester College below the $34,873 national median for International/Global Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 2.4x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,324 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,176 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #81 out of 81 programs, Macalester College's financial outcomes for International/Global Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $21,176 to $53,128 over five years (151% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.