International/Global Studies at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,140/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #45 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 $554K $551K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.6x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,814
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,488
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,140/yr fall 19% below the $34,873 national median for International/Global Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI International/Global Studies programs nationally.

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 $21,814 represents roughly 9 months of the $28,140 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #45 of 81 International/Global Studies programs, University of Iowa falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $51,488 show a 83% jump from the $28,140 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International/Global Studies at University of Iowa?
A score of 27/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International/Global Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with International/Global Studies from University of Iowa?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →