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International/Global Studies at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,082/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 10%

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	$735K	$723K	$674K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.2x	12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	50%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	48	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,000

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$77,658

99% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,082 per year, International/Global Studies graduates from University of California-Los Angeles earn slightly above the $34,873 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some International/Global Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #5 of 81 programs, this International/Global Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $39,082-to-$77,658 earnings arc over five years reflects a 99% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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 University of California-Los Angeles

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 does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International/Global Studies at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International/Global Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →