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Multi / Interdisciplinary · International Studies Rank #1 of 81

International Studiesat American Public University System

Graduates earn $64,133/yr in their first year — about 84.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $686K; scenarios range from $641K to $696K depending on AI disruption.

Charles Town, WV Private for-profit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
64 SOLID
64
Optimistic
64
Pessimistic
Earnings
$64,133
1-year post-graduation
ROI
23.8x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$686K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
36% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at American Public University System

American Public University System's strong showing in International/Global Studies reflects its unique student body and program design. Many enrollees are working professionals, often with military or government backgrounds, leveraging the online, flexible format to advance existing careers or pivot into new global roles. This practical experience significantly shapes post-graduation trajectories.

Your degree here prepares you for diverse fields requiring cross-cultural understanding and policy analysis, from federal agencies like the State Department or intelligence community, to defense contractors, international NGOs, or multinational corporations. The program excels at equipping individuals who need to analyze geopolitical trends, manage international projects, or navigate complex global logistics. Success often hinges on securing relevant security clearances or demonstrating specialized regional or linguistic expertise. To maximize your outcome, actively seek out internships or project-based work that directly applies your studies, building a portfolio of practical experience for a competitive edge.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$641K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score64/100
Earnings Multiple19.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$686K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score64/100
Earnings Multiple20.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$696K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score64/100
Earnings Multiple20.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to American Public University System's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where International Studies graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Political scientists
-3.1% 10-yr growth · 500 openings/yr
$139,380/yr
Moderate
2
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 1,500 openings/yr
$75,040/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering International Studies

How American Public University System stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Bentley University
MA · Private nonprofit
41
DW Score
$75K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
40
DW Score
$69K
1-yr earn
1.8x
ROI
Top score
Ohio State University-Main Campus
OH · Public
45
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
9.7x
ROI
Boston College
MA · Private nonprofit
41
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
2.0x
ROI
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
MD · Public
41
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
8.5x
ROI
Also at American Public University System

Other top programs at American Public University System

Other highest-scoring programs offered at American Public University System, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about International Studies at American Public University System

How does American Public University System's International Studies program score?

This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Studies graduates.

Why does American Public University System rank so high for International Studies?

The #1 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.