International/Global Studies at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,410/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 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 $608K $603K $566K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.4x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,935
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,410 at Michigan State University come in 10% above the national median of $34,873 for International/Global Studies programs.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International/Global Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $38,410/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Michigan State University ranks #19 among 81 International/Global Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $38,410-to-$62,935 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 40,243 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State 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/Global Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International/Global Studies at Michigan State University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International/Global Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Michigan State University one of the best schools for International/Global Studies?
Among 81 International/Global Studies programs, Michigan State University's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →