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International/Global Studies at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,168/yr (30% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

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

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #3 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 5%

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	$673K	$664K	$621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.0x	10.9x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.6x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	50%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	50	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)

$61,060

Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,000

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,500

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$73,765

63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,168 put University of California-San Diego's International/Global Studies program 30% above the national median of $34,873 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 10.9x 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.

With first-year pay of $45,168 far exceeding the $15,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-San Diego ranks #3 among 81 International/Global Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $45,168-to-$73,765 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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-San Diego

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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International/Global Studies at University of California-San Diego?

At 50/100, University of California-San Diego's International/Global Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is University of California-San Diego one of the best schools for International/Global Studies?

Among 81 International/Global Studies programs, University of California-San Diego's #3 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 →