International Studies at Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · International/Global Studies
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,371/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Small (2,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #14 of 81 International/Global Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your degree from Boston College's International/Global Studies program carries significant weight, opening doors due to the university's strong reputation and proximity to Boston's vibrant global economy. This location is a hub for international finance, consulting, non-profits, and government, offering diverse pathways beyond traditional diplomacy. Employers recognize BC graduates for their critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills, often recruiting for roles in global business development, policy analysis, and project management at major firms and organizations. While AI may assist with data synthesis, the core of these careers—nuanced human interaction, cross-cultural communication, and complex strategic judgment—remains distinctly human, explaining the moderate AI risk. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships with multinational corporations, NGOs, or government agencies during your studies. This hands-on experience is crucial for translating your academic knowledge into specific professional skills and building a network that will accelerate your career.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to International Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $711K $700K $654K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$270,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$159,464
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,227
58% growth from Year 1

About Boston College

Boston College accepts 16% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 9,865 in Chestnut Hill, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $159,464 — 41% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston College →

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 Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston College

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

How does Boston College's International Studies program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Boston College rank so high for International Studies?
The #14 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →