International/Global Studies at Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,920/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #64 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/Global Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $575K $571K $538K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$266,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$181,636
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,722
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,137
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Pepperdine University's International/Global Studies graduates start at $36,920/yr — above the $34,873 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The financial case is thin at 2.1x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in International/Global Studies's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,722 represents roughly 8 months of the $36,920 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #64 of 81 International/Global Studies programs, Pepperdine University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $58,137 show a 57% jump from the $36,920 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,629 students in Malibu, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $181,636 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International/Global Studies at Pepperdine University?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International/Global Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →